November 10, 2003
XMAS GIFT FOR DAD:
In the Fate of Pompeii, Allegories for Today: Robert Harris, the best-selling British author, found the perfect setting for a satirical parable for modern America in ancient Rome. (ALAN COWELL, 11/10/03, NY Times)
In June 2000, Mr. Harris said, he saw a newspaper article about new research into the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 A.D. that alerted him to the latest scientific conclusions about the causes of the catastrophe. And the article, he said, gave him the idea that ancient Rome would provide a more appropriate setting for the book he wanted to write.The result was "Pompeii," a thriller that has become an instant best-seller in Britain and is set to be published in the United States on Nov. 25 by Random House.
Despite its setting, Mr. Harris says, the book is a modern novel, absorbing Roman characters, notably Pliny the Elder — scholar-commander of the imperial fleet — into a tale of imperial hubris that, after the invasion of Iraq, he depicts as particularly relevant to present-day America.
"The book can be read two ways, as a historical novel and, I hope, good story," he said in an interview. "But there's an allegorical interpretation."
"This is not an old Europe attack on America," he said, explaining why he sees a parallel between ancient Rome and modern Washington. "I do not hold that view. It's a more detached interest in the mind-set of living in a nation so powerful that it's almost inconceivable to imagine that its dominance could ever come to an end."
So for Rome 79 A.D., read the United States post-Sept. 11, 2001.
Mr. Harris's only real competitors for the title best thriller writer of their generation are Charles McCarry and Gerald Seymour. Posted by Orrin Judd at November 10, 2003 9:16 AM
"So for Rome 79 A.D., read the United States post-Sept. 11, 2001."
If we are to believe The History of The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire by Edward Gibbon
Vol. 1, Ch. 1, P. 1,
In the second century of the Christian Era, the empire of Rome comprehended the fairest part of the earth, and the most civilized portion of mankind. The frontiers of that extensive monarchy were guarded by ancient renown and disciplined valor. The gentle but powerful influence of laws and manners had gradually cemented the union of the provinces. Their peaceful inhabitants enjoyed and abused the advantages of wealth and luxury. The image of a free constitution was preserved with decent reverence: the Roman senate appeared to possess the sovereign authority, and devolved on the emperors all the executive powers of government. During a happy period of more than fourscore years, the public administration was conducted by the virtue and abilities of Nerva, Trajan, Hadrian, and the two Antonines. It is the design of this, and of the two succeeding chapters, to describe the prosperous condition of their empire; and after wards, from the death of Marcus Antoninus, to deduce the most important circumstances of its decline and fall; a revolution which will ever be remembered, and is still felt by the nations of the earth.
The Golden Age was in the future at the time of Vesuvius. The decline did not begin until the accension of Commodus a century later. The partition of the Empire into eastern and western divisions was 3 centuries later. And it was not until the reign of Heraclius five and a half centuries later that the Eastern empire was truncated to Anatolia and the Balkan Peninsula.
gtg more later
Posted by: Robert Schwartz at November 10, 2003 2:17 PMI'd have put Tom Clancy up for that honour myself but I just finished reading The Bear and the Dragon which probably qualifies as one of worst books I've ever read.
Posted by: M Ali Choudhury at November 10, 2003 6:35 PMClancy started a steep downhill slide around Rainbow Six. He reads like he became too big a star to accept any editing.
For a great spy/thriller writer, try Alan Furst. There's also a very funny spy novel called Dunn's Conumdrum by Stan Lee (not the comic book guy) that I'd recommend. And for somewhat old-fashioned thrillers, try some Desmond Bagley.
Posted by: PapayaSF at November 10, 2003 7:59 PMMake that "Dunn's Conundrum".
Posted by: PapayaSF at November 10, 2003 10:54 PM