THE FIRST MAN IN ROME

This impeccably researched historical novel of the Roman Empire centers upon two men, outcasts for differing reasons, who strive for recognition by using their brilliance and their cunning. Marius, the general who created the modern-day model for the army and defeated the invading German hordes, is also the devoted husband of Julia Caesar, as well as an articulate senator and powerful First Man in Rome. Sulla, his brother-in-law and cohort, allies himself with the underbelly of the center of the world. Jill Tanner is masterful with Latin and Greek, with townships in the provinces, and with foreign kings and scoundrels. She never falters with the crowds of amassing Roman citizens and allows each character to emote or to plot or to murder. This extraordinarily rich experience is a saga to be revisited. B.H.B. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2004, Portland, Maine [Published: AUG/ SEP 04]