Dictator: (Cicero Trilogy 3)

Harris, Robert

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0091752108 ISBN 13: 9780091752101

Publisher: Hutchinson, 2015

‘Laws are silent in times of war.’
Cicero

There was a time when Cicero held Caesar’s life in the palm of his hand. But now Caesar is the dominant figure and Cicero’s life is in ruins.

Exiled, separated from his wife and children, his possessions confiscated, his life constantly in danger, Cicero is tormented by the knowledge that he has sacrificed power for the sake of his principles.

His comeback requires wit, skill and courage – and for a brief and glorious period, the legendary orator is once more the supreme senator in Rome.

But politics is never static and no statesman, however cunning, can safeguard against the ambition and corruption of others.

Riveting and tumultuous, DICTATOR encompasses some of the most epic events in human history yet is also an intimate portrait of a brilliant, flawed, frequently fearful yet ultimately brave man – a hero for his time and for ours. This is an unforgettable tour de force from a master storyteller.

Review:

"Triumphant, compelling and deeply moving...the finest fictional treatment of Ancient Rome in the English language. They are distinguished by the mastery of the sources, sympathetic imagination, political intelligence and narrative skill...It’s a wonderful, dramatic, story, wonderfully told" (Scotsman Allan Massie)

"Robert Harris’s Cicero trilogy ends in grand style...the culmination of 12 years work and a remarkable literary achievement" (Observer)

"The book works...more than that; at times it sings... Thrillers are supposed to thrill, but few really do raise your heart rate and short-circuit your critical faculties...Exhilarating...This trilogy deserves the highest compliment that can be paid to a work of historical fiction" (The Times)

"Robert Harris completes his wonderful trilogy based on the life of Cicero. I haven’t enjoyed Roman history more since Robert Graves’s I, Claudius" (Anthony Horowitz Guardian, Book of the Year)

"Harris’s fascination with politics galvanises his impressive knowledgeableness into compulsive fiction" (Peter Kemp The Sunday Times, Books of the Year)

"Harris is brilliant at the political then-as-now, giving Caesar with a hint of Blair – and also of Thatcher" (Peter Stothard Spectator)

"Staying close to the sources, Harris picks his way masterfully through Cicero’s personal and political dilemmas...superb...does full justice to one of Rome’s most interesting complex and humane statesmen, whose pragmatic political treatises proved so influential during the renaissance and enlightenment" (Evening Standard)

"Harris skilfully navigates these fraught years in Cicero’s life ... Dictator triumphs" (The New Stateman)

"A superior historical thriller" (Fiona Wilson The Times, Books of the Year)

"Harris’ version of Cicero is a tremendous creation" (Independent)

Book Description:

From the No. 1 bestselling author of Fatherland, An Officer and a Spy, Enigma, Archangel, Pompeii and The Ghost.