If you enjoy stories about ancient Rome, or historical fiction in general, you MUST read this book. I have not one criticism - only praise. The characters are so well developed that even those that are mentioned only within a few pages are vivid and memorable. A fanatic of hi-fi, I don't always enjoy the usual detailed battle/war scenes. This story is full of them, and they're never dull. Maybe because it's a woman writing about the victories and devastation on the battlefield? I'm now in hot pursuit to read everything McCullough has written. Feel free to email if you have any questions. ~LeAnn

4-1/2 STARS!

Over 1,000 pages to the book, over 900 pages to the novel itself!

Book includes a very detailed 120 page Glossary giving (detailed) descriptions and definitions for roman (latin) words etc,

- plus 10 page pronunciation guide for roman masculine names,
- plus 9 page pronunciation guide to other names and terms.

Novel about Marius, wealthy but lowborn, and Sulla, aristocratic but penniless and debauched - extraordinary men of vision whose ruthless ambition will lay the foundations of the most awesome and enduring empire known to humankind.

- the major character - the women in particular - come through as real humans facing real and recognizable problems - a real work of art of words!

Colleeen McCullough,the Author of The Thorn Birds has done it again. This is an Awesome and absorbing novel of love, war, intrigue and betrayal which takes place in Ancient Rome. A must read.

This is the first book in an excellent six book series about the Roman Republic. Over a thousand pages, you will feel history come alive. I cannot recommend Colleen McCullough's Rome series too highly.

Read All Book Reviews of "The First Man in Rome Masters of Rome Bk 1"

What can I say? This book is one of the best, most engrossing historical novels in recent history. The characters are compelling, even lovable - or am I the only one who finished this book madly crushing on Lucius Cornelius Sulla? McCullough does a killer job of capturing the atmosphere and attitudes of a Rome trying to hang onto its republican ideals and practices while pursuing its perceived right to rule the world and forge an empire. The character of Gaius Marius is a great portrait of this conflict between birth privilege and the emerging meritocracy.

Can't recommend this, or the sequels, highly enough (although I think the first 3 books are the best in a stellar series).

NY Times best seller by a master story teller, who wrote the Thorn Birds and the Grass Crown. I haven't actually read it, but if you like 900+ pages of a page-turner that got rave reviews according to the cover (from People, Chicago Tribune, Time, LA Times, Washington Post Book World,...) and you like historical novels, in this case about the last days of the Roman republic, this one could be a good choice for you. Also said to have excellent character development, especially of the women characters, who come through as "real human beings facing real and recognizable problems".

Reading it was hard work, but worth every moment. Read the glossary first!

I found this book to be extremely compelling. I have never previous been all the interested in Ancient Rome, but this book really brought it to life for me. Very very good

historical novel

A wonderful, sprawling account of how Gaius Marius rose to become the First Man in Rome, much to the displeasure of much of the aristocracy.

A must read for fans of Republican Rome and great writing.

Read All Book Reviews of "The First Man in Rome Masters of Rome Bk 1"