Rubicon: A Novel of Ancient Rome (Novels of Ancient Rome)

Amazon.com

Steven Saylor's seventh installment in his Roma Sub Rosa series begins with a character saying, "Pompey will be mightily pissed." Scholars might argue that there is no evidence of this particular synonym for anger ever being used in 49 B.C., but the author would no doubt respond that poetic license includes doing whatever it takes to bridge the gap for modern audiences. And indeed, the head of the Roman Senate is mightily pissed. Rome is on the verge of another civil war, and the forces of Julius Caesar and Mark Antony have crossed the Rubicon River and are marching toward the capital. To top it all off, one of Pompey's favorite cousins has been garroted to death.

Before Pompey flees the city, he asks Rome's greatest detective, Gordianus the Finder, to solve the murder. But Pompey has reason to distrust Gordianus, who may have an allegiance with Caesar. To force his loyalty, Pompey seizes the detective's son-in-law, and makes him join his household army. By doing so, he ensures that Gordianus's involvement in the coming conflict will be a very personal one. Confused and troubled, Gordianus walks through Rome toward the house of his former friend and mentor, the poet Cicero. "All around me, I felt the uneasiness of the city, like a sleeper in the throes of a nightmare." Awakening from the nightmare, surviving the chaos, and solving this whodunit will be the Finder's toughest battle yet. --Dick Adler

Book Description

As Caesar marches on Rome and panic erupts in the city, Gordianus the Finder discovers, in his own home, the body of Pompey's favorite cousin.Before fleeing the city, Pompey exacts a terrible bargain from the finder of secrets-to unearth the killer, or sacrifice his own son-in-law to service in Pompey's legions, and certain death. Amid the city's sordid underbelly, Gordianus learns that the murdered man was a dangerous spy.Now, as he follows a trail of intrigue, betrayal, and ferocious battles on land and sea, the Finder is caught between the chaos of war and the terrible truth he must finally reveal.AUTHORBIO: STEVEN SAYLOR has had a lifelong fascination with Rome, beginning with the drive-in movies of his boyhood (Cleopatra, Spartacus, Ben Hur), on to his degree in history from the University of Texas, and through his appearances on the History Channel as an expert on Roman politics and life.He is the author of seven volumes in the Roma Sub Rosa series featuring Gordianus the Finder.He splits his time between homes in Austin, Texas, and Berkeley, California.

Customer Reviews:

Eh.......2007-07-01

This is not a thrilling suspense novel, but it is an entertaining and well written novel of Roman life featuring characters like Caesar, Pompey, and Cicero. The minute details of daily Roman life is quite interesting-- the politics, not so much (unless that's what you're looking for in a novel). I was looking for a good suspense novel and this one is ok, but not 5 star material.

Evocative and shocking!.......2007-06-18

Saylor never disappoints, and his Roma Sub Rosa series never fails to surprise. I absolutely love this series, and this book is probably the most shocking so far. We get to see a side of Gordianus that we've never seen before, as well as Saylor's viewpoint of what happened when Caesar crossed the Rubicon, and placed Rome into civil war. Gordianus is drawn into the interior politics when a relative of Pompey is murdered in his own garden. Pompey charges him with finding out who the killer was, and while Gordianus is searching we find that the man who was killed was a spy as well as a blackmailer. Gordianus goes into Southern Italy after Pompey and the hostage that Pompey has taken. We see the battle of Brundisiam as it happened. Saylor puts us front and centre in that as well as showing a truly dark side of steady and honest Gordianus. this series is not be missed.

Good Fun; Good History.......2007-04-10

This book is good fun for anyone who has the slightest interest in Ancient Rome. The focus is on Julius Caesar and Pompey as seen through the eyes of a middle aged Roman of the Plebian class.

The politics are interesting as is the personal story of Gordianus the Finder. He is a kind of private detective but they don't have that term at that time.

All the books in this series are good and you don't have to have a lifetime commitment to Roman history. Anyone can pick it up, enjoy it, and perhap learn a bit about the past. But this is not a didactic tome in any way. It is a good story and that is always fun.

Is Gordianus's son Caesar's lover?.......2006-03-17

Steven Saylor keeps surprising me. This sixth novel in the sub rosa mystery series is somewhat different from the previous volumes. In RUBICON Saylor seems determined to keep things moving. The emphasis this time is on the mystery, and an unconventional mystery it is. A young man has been garroted in Gordianus's garden and there is no way anyone could have gotten over the wall, committed the murder and then climbed back over the wall within only a few minutes. There are no suspects. The victim's cousin just happens to be Pompey, who commands Gordianus to find the murderer or else. He takes Gordianus's son-in-law as a hostage as he prepares for battle with Caesar. On top of this, Gordianus keeps hearing gossip that his son Meto is the bed partner of Julius Caesar. Gordianus suspects that it may be true. There are other rumors of a secret conspiracy against Caesar's life. Blackmail is featured heavily in this story. This story has several disturbing elements. But there are also the fascinating tidbits like how the Romans performed abortions and some of the ingenious ways they hid and passed secret messages. All in all, this was a very entertaining reading experience. And I certainly did not guess who the killer was.

Probably the major overhanging argument of this novel is "when is killing justified?" I'd like to write more about this, but it would necessitate spoilers. This is an interesting and extremely entertaining novel. It could probably be enjoyed without reading the others first, but if you are already familiar with the characters it will mean a lot more to you.

Encamp with Caesar! Dine with Cicero! Sail with Pompey!.......2005-12-22

Those looking for a "whodunit" will be disappointed, just as some earlier Amazon reviewers were, but it will please those, like me, who like descriptions of this time, woven around a story with historical personages.

I particularly liked descriptions of the chaos in Rome as news and rumors of the Rubicon crossing filtered in (including the state in which the elite, like Cicero, may have left their homes), travel on the Appian Way (including how bandits might do it without guns), the dinner at Cicero's country villa (dinner conversation is marvelous) the description of Roman marine warfare technology and the taking of Brundisium.

I also like the way Saylor gives us the portrait of the social strata. While there was more in Arms of Nemesis about the situation of and attitudes towards slaves, this book gives some clues as to the little mobility they might attain.

This great writing is why I'll continue reading Saylor whether or not the mysteries are satisfying.

Average customer rating:

Rubicon: a Novel of Ancient Rome
Steven Saylor
Manufacturer: St. Martin's Minotaur
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000OTKILI

Book Description

FARMER GILES OF HAM is one of Tolkien's most popular stories. Full of wit and humor and set in the days of giants and dragons, it tells the tale of a reluctant hero who saves his village from the dragon Chrysophylax.

SMITH OF WOOTTON MAJOR tells of baking a Great Cake to mark the Feast of Good Children and the magical events that follow, while LEAF BY NIGGLE recounts the adventures of a painter trying to capture a tree on canvas.

Customer Reviews:

A Delightful Collection of Stories For Kids of Every Age.......2001-06-13

The first of the three stories in this collection is a delightful fairy tale set in the days when giants and dragons were the enemies and twonspeople like Farmer Giles were the heroes. Derek Jacobi does a superb job performing not only as the farmer himself and his wife, but also the couple's dog and the rest of the characters. One would not also not expect to find a dragon with as colorful a name as Chrysopholax, since the last time I met a dragon in one of Tolkein's stories, it was Smaug, and he casually remarked to hobbit Bilbo Baggins,''I don't remember smelling you before!'' The other two tales in this collection are Smith of Wooton Major,and Leaf by Niggle. Knowing what a magnificent job Derek Jacobi has done bringing Shakespeare to life and proving to most of us that Shakespeare was meant to be enjoyed by everyone, you can rest assured in the thought that he has done a similar, exemplary feat with Tolkein! I own, by the way, two other stories written by Tolkein and narrated by Jacobi himself--Letters From Father Christmas and Roverandom. Do yourself a favor and indulge your inner child with these stories!

A worthy reader of a worthy book.......2000-03-05

"Farmer Giles of Ham" is vintage Tolkien encapsulated. Ham is a farmer who owns a cowardly dog named Gorm. The two of them set out to dispose of a dragon named Chrysophylax who is terrorizing the shire. They do defeat Chrysophylax, but how? Well, you have to listen to Sir Derek Jacobi (best known in the USA as the stammering Emperor Claudius in the Masterpiece Theatre series of the '70s; also as Brother Cadfael in The Cadfael Mysteries) read you the story, as he does with the same elegance he brings to all his performances. Sir Derek is a true master of the spoken word. The combination of a writer like Professor Tolkien and a reader like Sir Derek is truly rare and wonderful. And the delight does not stop with "Farmer Giles"; the stories in this little book abound with imagination and excellence.

Average customer rating:

Farmer Giles of Ham: And Other Stories
J. R. R.; Jacobi, Derek Tolkien
Manufacturer: Harpercollins Pub Ltd
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000O8OEFU

Book Description

Newly Revised and Updated!

Are you tormented by extremely distressing thoughts or persistent worries?

Compelled to wash your hands repeatedly?

Driven to repeat or check certain numbers, words, or actions?

If you or someone you love suffers from these symptoms, you may be one of the millions of Americans who suffer from some form of obsessive-compulsive disorder, or OCD.

Once considered almost untreatable, OCD is now known to be a highly treatable disorder using behavior therapy. In this newly revised edition of Stop Obsessing! Drs. Foa and Wilson, internationally renowned authorities on the treatment of anxiety disorders, share their scientifically based and clinically proven self-help program that has already allowed thousands of men and women with OCD to enjoy a life free from excessive worries and rituals.

You will discover:
• Step-by-step programs for both mild and severe cases of OCD
• The most effective ways to help you let go of your obsessions and gain control over your compulsions
• New charts and fill-in guides to track progress and make exercises easier
• Questionnaires for self-evaluation and in-depth understanding of your symptoms
• Expert guidance for finding the best professional help
• The latest information about medications prescribed for OCD

Customer Reviews:

Seriously.......2007-05-18

This book saved my life nine years ago. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. My life is no longer ruled by anxiety. Thank you R.W. and E.F.

The best book I have read about OCD.......2007-02-06

This book has helped me a LOT with my OCD. Before I read this book, I used to spend hours obsessing over certain things, and it was really interfering with my work and social life. The techniques presented in the book are very helpful, and I am living more happier and relaxed now. If you are looking for a book that can really help you with your OCD, you need to buy this book.

Not quite perfect.......2006-01-11

This was listed as the top choice for obsessive-compulsive disorder by the Carlat Report for December 2005 in a review of self-help books in psychiatry (www.thecarlatreport.com).
It is very much a self-help book, directed at patients rather than professionals, but some of the methods recommended seem to assume that a professional is involved and it discusses the use of medication. Indecisions and mentisme are not covered but hoarding (which is seldom due to OCD)is. As with several other self-help books it is without references or statistics so that we have to take some of the claims for effectiveness on trust. The professional reputations of the authors are so high that I would be inclined to trust them, although in some of the cases described the remedy looks worse than the disease. Their recommendations for dealing with contamination fears, and also their techniques for coping with contrast ideas, might be quite distressing.
An academic quibble is that the techniques mostly seem to be plain vanilla behavior therapy, rather than cognitive. The cognitive therapy of Beck (and its avatar, the rational-emotive therapy of Ellis) involve arguing patients out of their symptoms by convincing them of the logical errors of their thinking, a futile endeavor in OCD. This book recommends the kinds of treatment that many of us have found useful empirically whatever our theoretical background.
Sigmund Freud (in one of his letters to Binswanger) discusses a case of OCD and recommends what is called in Norman Guterman's translation "counter-compulsion." (His classic paper on OCD is usually considered the 1909 "Rat Man" whom he did treat by psychoanalysis. That was published as "Der Familienroman der Neurotiker Bemerkung einen Fall von Zwangneurose" for those of you who own the Sammlung kleiner Schriften. In the Collier paperback series, edited by Philip Rieff, the "Rat Man" case is in "Three Case Histories" )
Where Foa and Wilson fall short of Freud, and of Judith Rappaport's "The Boy Who Couldn't Stop Washing," is in literary merit. They write clearly and understandably but this is not something that the general reader would want to read cover to cover.

Just what the doctor ordered.......2005-08-07

This book comes highly recommended by my doctor and is living up to its reputation!

Great book - highly recommended.......2005-05-08

This is an excellent book. I think it is the best self-help book on OCD. Luckily my CB therapist does these exact techniques with me in therapy so it's like this book is a hard-copy of the work I am doing. It's a great reference manual. Take this book seriously - it will help you if you follow the practices with as much patience and effort as you can. The thing that clicked for me after ready only the first few chapters of this book, is that my thoughts are obsessions! They are exagerrated, irrational, not based on reality! I never before could grasp that concept because I actually believed that my obsessions and suspicions might be real (that I was just missing something) and that somehow my mental compulsions would help me to relieve the tension and anxiety that my obsessive thoughts were causing. It's amazing... it all literally clicked. These thoughts are obsessions. They are NOT REAL!! Wow.

STOP Obsessing! How to Overcome Your Obsessions and Compulsions

Average customer rating:

STOP Obsessing! How to Overcome Your Obsessions and Compulsions

Manufacturer: Pathway Systems
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Audio Cassette
ASIN: 0963068318

Product Description

This 3-tape self-help set, which is a supplement to the book "Stop Obsessiong!" teachers how to overcome obsessions and compulsions. Tapes 1 & 2 talks about common features, the four challenges, what do to during obsessing and how to haldle compulsions. Tape 3 has practicing breathing skills and generalized relaxation and imagry.

Average customer rating:

Stop Obsessing!: How To Overcome Your Obsessions and Compulsions
Edna B. Foa
Manufacturer: Bantam Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000N7AGX6

Average customer rating:

Deserving of the highest praise

WOW. What a great book..

Only pasta cookbook you'll ever need to own

Pasta Bible

Essential for pasta lovers

The Pasta Bible: The Definitive Sourcebook, with over 1,000 Illustrations
Christian Teubner , Silvio Rizzi , and Tan Lee Leng
Manufacturer: Book Sales
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Pasta | Cooking by Ingredient | Cooking, Food & Wine | Subjects | Books
General | Cooking, Food & Wine | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

The New Pasta Machine Cookbook

The Complete Book of Pasta and Noodles

Pasta Tecnica

Norpro Pasta Drying Rack

Villaware V150 Imperia Noodle Machine

ASIN: 0785819096

Customer Reviews:

Deserving of the highest praise.......2004-04-27

The beginning to the experienced pasta maker will benefit from this book. Large, clearly printed, well outlined and containing lots of photos of the recipes, this book also has the "cooking school" format that has step by step photos. A entire chapter is devoted to dried pasta with photos of the different shapes. Never wonder what casereccie, banane, or grimigna are again! With this book, you will know! Imaginative use of fresh herbs pressed in sheets of pasta, cuisines from Italian to the Orient (and points in between), baked, stuffed, desserts, this book has enough ideas and recipes to get you started and keep you busy.

WOW. What a great book.........2002-05-12

History, recipie, and skills all shown and done beautifully. THis is a great book.

Only pasta cookbook you'll ever need to own.......2002-03-01

Great illustrations, clear instructions, & lots of recipes. What more could anyone ask for?

Pasta Bible.......2001-01-23

I love this book. It explain how to make pasta from scatch and how to make many differt flavor of pasta. I got a pasta machine for Christmas and these recipes work great for my pasta machine

Essential for pasta lovers.......2000-05-02

This is an absolutely essential book for anyone who loves pasta. It is packed with wonderful color photos. The recipes are delicious. Some are quite involved and require exotic ingredients.

Being so much more than a cookbook, it starts out with a brief history of pasta. It then discusses grain in detail. Pictures of each flour type & an illustration of a wheat grain are included here. There are also pictures all the of pasta tools.

Next, dry pasta is covered. There are great photos of over 125 different pastas, including Asian noodles. It also demonstrates step by step how to make, & shape fresh pasta doughs from scratch.

Book Description

The definitive guide to choosing, making, cooking and enjoying pasta.

Customer Reviews:

gerarose.......2006-07-14

Beautiful pictures, step by step recipes and good food. The pasta bible is worth every penny. I will be using this book alot.

Great for Beginners.......2003-08-31

I received this as a gift when I first began to cook. It is wonderful!! Receipes vary from easy to moderately difficult. There are clear instuctions and every dish has a picture. There are many dishes that I use as my "stand-by" receipes for guests because they are simple, able to be prepared ahead and delicious. I highly recommend this to all cooks who love easy and delicious Italian meals.

Just a great pasta cookbook!.......2003-07-14

This is THE best of my collection of cookbooks! The day I recieved this book, I whipped up a receipe, and dinner was a delight!! Very informative, easy to follow, and delicious dishes. Shipped fast, and in mint condition.

True Italian!!!.......2003-06-16

I live in Italy, and the recipes in this book are true to the Italian cooking I've experienced. Most are easy and fast--meaning you can make the sauce as you boil the water and cook the pasta. Obviously, some recipes are more involved than that. Most of the ingredients required are fresh vegetables and cheeses--just as a true Italian would cook. I LOVE this book and always receive compliments on the meals I make from it!

The Pasta Bible : by Jeni Wright.......2000-08-19

My wife is an accomplished "cook" in her own right and although she has a myriad of cooking books, she always refers to The Pasta Bible for new recipies or simplified techniques and variations on her own pasta recipes taught to her by her family.

The layout of the book is simple and as such easy to follow. Jeni's description of the different types of pasta makes it easy to prepare the menu and mood of the meal be it for a dinner party or just a family pasta evening meal.

Regional location of how, why and where the pasta originates from has actually given some insight to why some combinations in preparation and content do and don't work, not to mention some ideas for experimentation in flavour and presentation.

A preamble of the dish is provided with every recipe followed by the ingredients list, short sharp and nothing left to the imagination, makes it simple to check the pantry and make up the "shopping list".

The 1, 2, 3, step-by-step approach with insert photos again adds to the simplicity in the preparation and making of the pasta dish. The more involved dishes, like the making Ravioli, maintain the same step-by-step approach.

Now I know how to make Spaghetti with Anchovies & Olives with out over doing the Anchovies.

A good read, for the Beginner and the Proficient. Also makes a great present!!

Average customer rating:
The Pasta Bible

Manufacturer: Hermes House
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Christianity | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

The Pasta Bible

ASIN: 1843095688

Product Description

The Pasta Bible is especially valuable in the kitchen because it allows each individual cook to be imaginative and experimental while following a basic recipe, thus achieving perfect results every time. This text is composed of fool-proof step-by-step instructions and gorgeous full-color photographs that detail each part of the creative cooking process. Whether the reader of this invaluable source book is in search of a light pasta snack or formal, artfully presented main course, The Pasta Bible contains everything a cook could ever need to create an enticing culinary experience.

Average customer rating:

The Pasta Bible: The
JENI (THE PA WRIGHT
Manufacturer: Hermes House
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: 1843095564

Average customer rating:

Kitchen Bible Box

Manufacturer: Lorenz Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Pasta | Cooking by Ingredient | Cooking, Food & Wine | Subjects | Books

General | Cooking, Food & Wine | Subjects | Books

Average customer rating:

The Pasta Bible

ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: 1843094339

The Pasta Bible / The Chinese and Asian Kitchen Bible

Average customer rating:

The best thing since sliced bread

The Pasta Bible / The Chinese and Asian Kitchen Bible

Manufacturer: Hermes House
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: 1843099837

Customer Reviews:

The best thing since sliced bread.......2007-03-09

I got this set for a steal at a bookstore. It encompasses my two favorite cuisines. The pictures, recipies and content are great. My only complaint is the pasta recipe in the pasta book. I tried it 3 times and couldn't get it right, both other than that I love this set and can't wait to start making the recipies. I highly suggest it.

Pasta Bible: The Definitive Guide to Choosing, Making, Cooking a

Average customer rating:

Pasta Bible: The Definitive Guide to Choosing, Making, Cooking a
Jeni Wright
Manufacturer: HERMES HOUSE
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000WTNP1U

Books:

Books Index

Books Home

Recommended Books