Roman History Books and More

book chat reminder, wednesday, september 5: 'eager for glory" by lindsay powell, first of two chats

9:30 to 11:00 PM US EDT (UTC/GMT -04).
First of two chats, author chat September 19.

Eager for Glory: The Untold Story of Drusus the Elder, Conqueror of Germania
by Lindsay Powell (als0 as eBook).

Friends of Lindsay who have read the book are welcome! Irene will be happy to have a trial chat with any of you.

Update: I should have mentioned that we should get at least through Chapter 3: "Drusus the Builder."

back ...

I'm back from August break and vacation - working on the book list for 2013. Many thanks for all suggestions.

Meanwhile, get ready for our next book:

Eager for Glory: The Untold Story of Drusus the Elder, Conqueror of Germania
by Lindsay Powell
(als0 as eBook)

September 5 & 19.

Note: author chat September 19.

next book chat: author chat with albert bell, 'the blood of caesar'

Hoping for  good turn out on Wednesday, July 25 for the author chat with Albert Bell: The Blood of Caesar: A Second Case from the Notebooks of Pliny the Younger.  Also as eBook.

Library Journal writes:

When the body of a mason is found in the library of current Princeps (first citizen) Domitian, Pliny the Younger is asked by his mother to find the killer. At the same time, Domitian orders Pliny and his friend Tacitus to find out if there is a real heir to the throne. Their exploits in Syria (All Roads Lead to Murder) have reached the ears of all in Rome, and they now have the reputation of being competent detectives. Readers will delight in the duo's tracing of Caesar's blood line; walking with Pliny through his daily routine is entertaining, too. Outstandingly researched and laden with suspense, this journey into ancient Rome by history professor Bell could be one of the masterpieces of the historical mystery genre. Lindsey Davis and Steven Saylor will hold readers over until the third casebook of Pliny the Younger publishes. Highly recommended for all collections.

With a heart-stopping climax! Enjoy!

second book chat on "caesars' wives" by anneliese freisenbruch on wednesday

We are finishing up discussing Caesars' Wives: Sex, Power, and Politics in the Roman Empire by Anneliese Freisenbruch this Wednesday. From the Flavians to Galla Placidia. Regress and progress.

"Caesars' Wives" discusses Roman empresses from Livia to Galla Placidia and the development of their position over the centuries, with flashbacks to Roman women during the Republic; as well as some of the formers' relatives, such as in the chapter, "Augustus' Women." But this is not all: the book covers in some depth the status of Roman women, legally and societal. Thorough scholarship and a free and easy prose make reading the book a delight!

The UK title is "The First Ladies of Rome: The Women Behind the Caesars."

N.S. Gill's review.

for the olympic year: 'the naked olympics: the true story of the ancient games' by tony perrottet

A little bit late, but still in the Olympic Year: On October 3 & 17 will discuss The Naked Olympics: The True Story of the Ancient Games by Tony Perrottet.

The New Yorker writes:

This lively account of the classical Olympics portrays them as “the Woodstock of antiquity,” and claims that the Games, while taken seriously, were also where Greeks gathered for a five-day debauch. A prostitute could earn a year’s wages in the course of the tournament, Thessalonian peddlers sold love potions made from horse’s sweat and minced lizard, and pentathletes competed to the accompaniment of flutes, perhaps the ancient equivalent of stadium rock. The festival offered beauty pageants and Homer-recitation contests, numerologists and fire-swallowers, and such culinary delicacies as roasted sow’s womb. Athletic events also fuelled a thriving pickup scene: a message etched into the wall of a stadium at Nemea reads, “Look up Moschos in Philippi—he’s cute.”

july 18 chat with albert bell has been moved to july 25

The author chat with Albert A. Bell Jr. about his mystery novel The Blood of Caesar: A Second Case from the Notebooks of Pliny the Younger has been moved to July 25.

Not only is the date more convenient for Albert Bell, it also gives the group more time to read the book as we are discussing the second half of "Caesar's Wives" by Anneliese Freisenbruch on July 11 instead of July 4, a public holiday in the U.S.

Domitian puts pressure on Pliny and Tacitus ... enjoy!

how to split the two chats on "caesars' wives" by anneliese freisenbruch

On June 20 we are having our first of two chats about Caesars' Wives: Sex, Power, and Politics in the Roman Empire by Anneliese Freisenbruch.

"Caesars' Wives" discusses Roman empresses from Livia to Galla Placidia and the development of their position over the centuries, with flashbacks to Roman women during the Republic; as well as some of the formers' relatives, such as in the chapter, "Augustus' Women." But this is not all: the book covers in some depth the status of Roman women, legally and societal. Thorough scholarship and a free and easy prose make reading the book a delight!  The UK title is "The First Ladies of Rome: The Women Behind the Caesars."

Since there are three week between the first and second (July 11) chat because of the July 4th Holiday, we need not split the read 50/50. So let's do the Julio-Claudians through Chapter 3 (page 97 in the hardcover edition), "Family Feud: The People's Princess and the Women of Tiberius' Reign." However, if you all think you can manage through Chapter 4, "Witches of the Tiber: The Last Julio-Claudian Empresses," by all means let's do that.

Also, I am talking with Albert Bell about moving the author chat on The Blood of Caesar: A Second Case from the Notebooks of Pliny the Younger, the last chat before our August recess, from July 18 to July 25 to give us more time and I will keep you posted.

upcoming book chat: "caesars' wives" by anneliese freisenbruch

Caesars' Wives: Sex, Power, and Politics in the Roman Empire by Anneliese Freisenbruch is our next chat project. There will be two chats, June 20 & July 11. The second date is because of the July 4th holiday in the U.S.

"Caesars' Wives" discusses Roman empresses from Livia to Galla Placidia and the development of their position over the centuries, with flashbacks to Roman women during the Republic; as well as some of the formers' relatives, such as in the chapter, "Augustus' Women." But this is not all: the book covers in some depth the status of Roman women, legally and societal. Thorough scholarship and a free and easy prose make reading the book a delight!

The UK title is "The First Ladies of Rome: The Women Behind the Caesars."

N.S. Gill's review. Mine is still in the work ...

author chat with caroline lawrence

We had to cancel the chat with Caroline Lawrence but hope to have one later in the year. We will keep you posted.

WELCOME TO THE WORLD OF FLAVIA GEMINA

more on 'the scribes from alexandria', june 6 chat

Author Caroline Lawrence posted more on our Facebook page with regard to our upcoming chat on her novel, The Scribes from Alexandria.

For those not subscribing to Facebook and/or our page, here are the details:

Salvete, omnes! I'm looking forward to answering your questions about The Scribes from Alexandria, now available in the US on Kindle for your iPad or iPhone or Kindle!

I had a lot of fun researching this book! A trip to Cairo & another up the Nile! http://flavias.blogspot.co.uk/2007/05/week-on-sskarim.html

→   Anyone who is not already a member of the chat may join here and do a test chat with Irene as described.

june 6 author chat: 'the scribes from alexandria' by caroline lawrence

On June 6 we will hook up with Caroline Lawrence to discuss her historical children's novel The Scribes from Alexandria.

The Roman Mysteries is a collection of 17+ historical novels about four children who solve mysteries in Rome's port of Ostia during the reign of Titus.

Caroline writes:

Welcome to the world of Flavia Gemina. The year is AD 79. The place is Ostia, port of Rome. From here, Flavia Gemina, daughter of a Roman sea captain, embarks on thrilling adventures with her three friends, Jonathan, Nubia and Lupus. As she and her friends attempt to solve their first crime, the clues lead them around Ostia, to the harbour, the forum, the lighthouse and the tombs of the death. Later mysteries take them to Pompeii, Rome, Greece, North Africa, Egypt, Turkey and finally back to Ostia and Rome.

"The Scribes from Alexandria," Roman Mystery 15, is set in early summer AD 81. After a shipwreck, the children are separated. Flavia, Jonathan and Lupus go around Alexandria and up the Nile following a trail of clues laid by a mysterious eunuch to find Nubia, who believes they are all dead.

The Facebook Page
The blog

Please welcome Caroline. This chat is one of many author chats this season.

For newcomers, our chats take place at 9:30 EDT (UTC/GMT -04).  This means that in Asia and Australia/Pacific, it's daytime. We are on Google Talk. Please check with Irene to set up a trial chat.

a little background to the "republic of vengeance," our book chat on wednesday

Titus Quintius Flamininus and Philip V of Macedon are major players in the latter part of
The Republic of Vengeance by Paul Waters.

Here is some online background:

• Plutarch • Life of Flamininus
• Philip V at livius.org
• The Fetters of Greece and Philip V of Macedon - Ancient Life

reminder of upcoming book chat, may 16: 'the republic of vengeance' (uk title: 'of merchants and heroes')

Join us on Wednesday, May 16 to discuss
The Republic of Vengeance by Paul Waters.
(UK: Of Merchants and Heroes)
Also as eBook at other vendors.

I do enjoy not only the story but also the excellent prose!

Review by Mary Harrsch

upcoming book chat, may 16: 'the republic of vengeance' Uk title: 'of merchants and heroes'

Join us on Wednesday, May 16 to discuss
The Republic of Vengeance by Paul Waters.
(UK: Of Merchants and Heroes)
Also as eBook at other vendors.

Library Journal writes:

This engrossing and beautifully written first novel will catapult Waters into the ranks of such well-known writers of the classical world as Mary Renault, Steven Pressfield, and Michael Curtis Ford. Fourteen-year-old Roman boy Marcus's first sea voyage with his father ends violently when their vessel is overtaken by pirates, leaving Marcus the only survivor. This single event sets the course of his life. Overshadowing his youth spent as a merchant and, later, his time as a soldier in the war against Philip of Macedonia is an unquenchable thirst for revenge, which even his love for Menexenos, a beautiful, young Greek athlete, cannot ease. Waters brings the world of third-century B.C.E. Greece to vivid life. Skillfully interwoven into the fictional story of Marcus and Menexenos are actual events and people of the times-e.g., the struggle between Rome and Macedonia for the freedom of Greece, the early years of Roman influence and conquest, and the grace, dignity, and culture of the center of civilization, Greece. This first book in a planned series is highly recommended for public and university libraries.
—Jane Henriksen Baird

mystery novels about ancient egypt

(Testing Blogsy on the iPad)

I recently came across a mystery trilogy set in Ancient Egypt by Nick Drake

• Nefertiti
• Tutankhamen
• Egypt

Well written, well researched. I do recommend them! I read them on iBooks.

upcoming book chats (2): 'antony and cleopatra' by adrian goldsworthy - update

A reminder that on April 18 and May 2 we will discuss Antony and Cleopatra by Adrian Goldsworthy. A fun book to read!

My review.
N.S. Gills' review.

Update 1:

April 18: through Chapter XIV "Master of Horse."
May 2: through the end.

book chat on wednesday: author chat with judith geary, 'getorix, games of the underworld

Be ready to chat with author Judith Geary about her book Getorix: Games of the Underworld.

Some of you may have read the first novel, Getorix: The Eagle and the Bull. Irene's review: Getorix: The Eagle and The Bull: A Celtic Adventure in Ancient Rome.

Enjoy!

wednesday's book chat: "render unto caesar" by gillian bradshaw

Hope to see you all at Wednesday's chat!

Render Unto Caesar by Gillian Bradshaw (available as eBook too)

I'm especially interested in people's reaction to the treatment of slavery with by our protagonist.

Enjoy!

upcoming book chat: 'caesar: a novel' by colleen mccullough

Our next read on January 4 & 18, and February 1 is
Caesar: A Novel by Colleen McCullough.

I've been trying to make a fairly even split:

January 4: through Page 206
January 18: through Page 420
February 1: through the end

I suspect that some of the participants may not be too interested in the battle scenes, so we will play it by ear. However, it was suggested to read De Bello Gallico as background, and here is an eText link: Caesar's Commentaries on the Gallic and Civil Wars.

See you all on the 4th!

reading calendar for 2012 now complete (corrected update)

Reading List for 2012

January 4 & 18, February 1	Caesar: A Novel by Colleen McCullough Background (online): Caesar's Commentaries on the Gallic and Civil Wars
February 15	Render Unto Caesar by Gillian Bradshaw (also as eBook)
March 7 & 21	Plutarch: Moralia / incomplete at LacusCurtius Selections to be decided.
April 4	Getorix: Games of the Underworld by Judith Geary (author chat)
April 18, May 2	Antony and Cleopatra by Adrian Goldsworthy
May 16	The Republic of Vengeance (UK: Of Merchants and Heroes) by Paul Waters (also as eBook at other vendors)
June 6	The Scribes from Alexandria by Caroline Lawrence (author chat*)
June 20 & July 11 (note date)	Caesars' Wives: Sex, Power, and Politics in the Roman Empire (UK: The First Ladies of Rome) by Anneliese Freisenbruch (also as eBook)
July 18	The Blood of Caesar by Albert A. Bell Jr. (author chat)
August Recess
September 5 & 19	Eager for Glory: The Untold Story of Drusus the Elder, Conqueror of Germania by Lindsay Powell (author chat*)
October 3 & 17	The Naked Olympics: The True Story of the Ancient Games by Tony Perrottet (also as eBook)
November 7	The Ionia Sanction by Gary Corby (author chat)
November 14 (note date)	Cleopatra's Moon by Vicky Alvear Shecter (author chat) (also as eBook)
December 5	Terra Incognita by Ruth Downie (also as eBook)
December 12	The Temple of the Muses (SPQR IV) by John Maddox Roberts (also as eBook)

* date may change