- Paperback: 544 pages
- Publisher: HarperCollins; paperback / softback edition (1 Dec 2004)
- Language English
- ISBN-10: 0007195265
- ISBN-13: 978-0007195268
- Product Dimensions: 22.8 x 15.2 x 4.2 cm
- Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars See all reviews (66 customer reviews)
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 1,267,112 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
Emperor: The Field of Swords (Emperor S.)
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Product Description
Amazon.co.uk Review
Emperor - Field of Swords takes Colin Iggulden's sequence of novels about the rise of Julius Caesar to a point where Caesar is forced to bid for mastery of the Roman world. Iggulden is intelligent and precise about the internal dynamics of the triumvirate of Caesar, the elderly rich Crassus and the proud Pompey. This alliance was never more than pragmatic and there was always going to be a settling of accounts--thus far so good, but Iggulden's idealizing of Caesar leads him at times into ignoring the sheer complexity of the affairs of the late Republic. This is a version of Rome which downplays the alliance of street and snob, and treats Caesar as if he were always an apostle of order--it is a historical novel which plays worrying games with historical fact.
Iggulden is fascinating on Caesar as governor and general--in the areas, that is, where we have the words of the man himself, rather than the spin put on his actions by his enemies. There is a real sense here of the practicalities of ancient warfare, of hard footslogging in difficult terrain and planning supplies for the long haul of sieges and forced marches - Iggulden may oversimplify politics, but he is intelligent about battle. --Roz Kaveney --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
Review
‘Iggulden is in a class of his own when it comes to epic, historical fiction’ Daily Mirror
‘Iggulden…tells an absolutely cracking story…the pace is nail-biting and the set dressing magnificent’ The Times
‘Iggulden weaves an entertaining tale of this world of men, swords, bows and the call of war and the plains’ Daily Express
‘I felt as if a blockbuster movie was unfolding before me…read the book before Hollywood takes it over’ Daily Express
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
36 of 38 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
I have picked up the Wolfs of the Plains at Heathrow airport three weeks ago on my way back home and by the time I arrived I decided to order all the historical novels by Conn Iggulden. Now I am almost done with the third book in the Emperors series, the Filed of Swords, so my comment here relates to the whole series.
I have read many books by great authors who excel in bringing ancient events to life, but this guy is unbelievable. My advice is to start reading on a weekend or on a holiday as trying to read it during a working week can ruin your schedule.
I can not comment on the inconsistency of the historical events that many of my fellow readers have expressed their concern about as my knowledge of Roman history remains very general. However, I will say this, these books are of the highest quality as history based novels are concerned. The characters are vivid and the scenes are superbly described. The war scenes alone would get the book a five star rating.
A highly recommended read. A lot of fun.
I have read many books by great authors who excel in bringing ancient events to life, but this guy is unbelievable. My advice is to start reading on a weekend or on a holiday as trying to read it during a working week can ruin your schedule.
I can not comment on the inconsistency of the historical events that many of my fellow readers have expressed their concern about as my knowledge of Roman history remains very general. However, I will say this, these books are of the highest quality as history based novels are concerned. The characters are vivid and the scenes are superbly described. The war scenes alone would get the book a five star rating.
A highly recommended read. A lot of fun.
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
Is it daft to compare this with the Star Wars films?
Well, follow me on this. The underlying politics in Star Wars is all about the Republic being ripped apart by the malice and evil of Senator Palpatine - the Sith Master.
These stories are all about the Roman Republic being torn apart by a number of actions by a number of different men - Marius, Sulla, Pompey and Caesar. And in fact over four books they tell a finer action and poltical story than the six Star Wars films ever could - I'm not knocking Star Wars, just pointing out that 'real' life is sometimes more staggering than fiction ever can be.
Yes, the books are fiction, but based on facts. Okay, it will never be a totally accurate representation of Caesar's life but for a rip roaring read this is beyond doubt a great quartet.
Well, follow me on this. The underlying politics in Star Wars is all about the Republic being ripped apart by the malice and evil of Senator Palpatine - the Sith Master.
These stories are all about the Roman Republic being torn apart by a number of actions by a number of different men - Marius, Sulla, Pompey and Caesar. And in fact over four books they tell a finer action and poltical story than the six Star Wars films ever could - I'm not knocking Star Wars, just pointing out that 'real' life is sometimes more staggering than fiction ever can be.
Yes, the books are fiction, but based on facts. Okay, it will never be a totally accurate representation of Caesar's life but for a rip roaring read this is beyond doubt a great quartet.
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
Conn Iggulden's third book builds further on his successful other two book in this series. Putting aside the occassional historical liberty, which in all fairness he justfies at the end of each of his books, this book is fantastic escapism. It is engrossing, well written and gives the reader a genuine desire to find out more about this period. I can't give enough complements for this book, it has thoroughly entertained me for the last few weeks and i'm looking forwards to his next book - which will involve Cleopatra no less.
Worth buying, though start at the begining of the series "The Gates of Rome" to fully appreciate the major players in this book.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
roman reading
bought this book for my son who had read the previous books in this series and had really enjoyed them, he has since read the complete emperor series. Read more
Published 1 month ago by macca1
emperor series
i read all four of the emporer series and enjoyed them, getting into the politics and dealings of the rome inner circles.
Published 1 month ago by Mr. B. F. Knowles
If you want to read about Ancient Rome/Caeser read Colleen McCullough
First book was ok, but taken in total this is a VERY simplified version of Caesar's incredible life. Read 'The First Man in Rome' if you want a really three dimensional version. Read more
Published 3 months ago by VJFH
Imperious Emperor
Firstly may I explain that I am in no way a literary critic, I have never read in totality Lord of the Rings, To Kill a Mockingbird or any other recognised works of genius. Read more
Published 5 months ago by The swampster
Weak on Spain, excellent on Gallic Wars
Conn Iggulden liberally rewrites history in order to increase the dramatic impact of his novels. That's fair enough, but sometimes it seems that his liberties with known history... Read more
Published 7 months ago by Dr. W. H. Konarzewski
My son enjoyed it
I bought this as a present for my son. The delivery was good. However as I haven't read the book myself, I can't comment on it
Published 8 months ago by P. Golds
Out of puff
I really liked the other books in this series but final chapter just feels likes it's run out of steam. Read more
Published 9 months ago by Quince
Emperor
nothing much to say except i could not put it down and it only took me 5 days to read it, historically it is quite accurate which made the book all the better a real gem.
Published 10 months ago by actionman023
Emperor: The Field of Swords
Emperor: This series of 4 is the most enthralling and exciting l have read, just couldn't put these books down.
Published 10 months ago by Mrs. C. Mears
ceaser
good read bit more political than the first two books which i prefered still got volume 4 to read which i'm sure will be a good conclusion.
Published 11 months ago by B. Clarke
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