Vindolanda

Local Description

~ In her Reith Lectures, Hilary Mantel made the case for historical fiction. One thing it did, she said, was introduce the past in a dramatic way. A near perfect example of this is Adrian Goldsworthy's Vindolanda. Set near the end of the first century and located on the northern frontier of Britannia, a Roman garrison comes under pressure from marauding tribes. These tribes, Caledonian's and other highlanders, are gathering strength and are being encouraged to rebel by the strange and powerful energy of druid priests. Told from the perspective of a Roman centurion, Flavius Ferox, the garrison is compelled to strike before the tribes become a unified force to large to be defeated. Flavius leads his men into hostile territory and must rely upon military discipline and a code of honour to defend the frontier. The victor in this novel is neither one side nor the other, it is the dramatization of history. Professor Goldsworthy uses fiction to describe both the conditions and the methods used by the Roman army to conquer and control Britain. Like a good film (which I'm sure it will become), the author has made history accessible. Mike

Description

Gripping, authentic novel set in Roman Britain from bestselling historian, Adrian Goldsworthy.
AD 98: VINDOLANDA.A FORT ON THE EDGE OF THE ROMAN WORLD.
The bustling army base at Vindolanda lies on the northern frontier of Britannia and the entire Roman world. In just over twenty years time, the Emperor Hadrian will build his famous wall. But for now defences are weak as tribes rebel against Rome, and local druids preach the fiery destruction of the invaders.
It falls to Flavius Ferox, Briton and Roman centurion, to keep the peace. But it will take more than just a soldier's courage to survive life in Roman Britain.
This is a hugely authentic historical novel, written by one of Britain's leading historians.
'A thrilling and engrossing novel' HARRY SIDEBOTTOM.

Reviews

'Much more accurate than the usual action fiction about legionaries and Rome ... Vindolanda brings the reader closer to the true nature of Roman Britain' New Books Magazine. 'Don't be surprised if you see Vindolanda in the starting line-up for Historical Fiction Book of the Year 2017' Weekend Sport. 'An authentic, enjoyable read' The Times. 'A well-written and authoritative novel that is always enjoyable and entertaining' For Winter Nights. 'An instant classic of the genre. No historian knows more about the Roman army than Adrian Goldsworthy, and no novelist better recreates the Classical World. Flavius Ferox, Briton turned Roman Centurion is a wonderful, charismatic hero. Action and authenticity combine in a thrilling and engrossing novel' Harry Sidebottom.

Author description

Adrian Goldsworthy studied at Oxford and became an acclaimed historian of Ancient Rome. He is the author of several books, including Anthony and Cleopatra, Caesar, and The Fall of the West. Visit adriangoldsworthy.com