An epic story of myth and legend interwoven.... soon to be a major motion picture
The Last Legion
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Ancient Rome, Roman history, gladiators. This novel has them all. So it comes as no surprise to learn that Dino De Laurentiis, producer of Gladiator, wants to make the film of this historical epic by the author of the bestselling Alexander Trilogy. Set in the twilight years of the Roman Empire, a band of British Roman soldiers try to save the decadent crumbling Empire by rescuing Romulus Augustus, the young son of the last Emperor, and installing him as the figurehead of a rejuvenated Empire. But it all comes to nothing and they return to Britain where further adventures await them. Stirring, atmospheric and factually accurate historical fiction (the author is an archaeologist and historian) that certainly makes the most of the current interest in Roman adventures, Hollywood style.
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
Book Description
The story opens on the day that the Western Roman Empire collapses finally in 470AD, as the Last Emperor of Rome is encamped protected by the Nova Invicta Legion. All is lost in the space of a few minutes as a horde of Barbarians sweep through the camp in the fog, kill the Imperial family and take the young Emperor captive. The Roman Empire is in ruins... But all is not lost. From the dust of battlefields emerges a small team of invincible warriors - The Last Legion. Their task is to rescue the Emperor and his enigmatic tutor and to try and resurrect the glory of Rome. All their strength of character and bravery come into play as they guide the last Caesar in a dramatic journey of escape through a devastated Italy and Northern Europe to their ultimate destinies in the land of the Britons... and the beginning of a new legend.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
17 of 17 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
Yes, if you are looking for a historically accurate acount of the fall of Rome and it's last emperor then this isn't it. But Manfredi accepts that in his notes at the back of the book. As other reviewers have stated this book can almost be split into halfs. The first half of the book is concerned with the plight of Romulus and how he is going to be rescued then the second half follows the flight of the heros (and heroin to be politically correct). Some saw this half the book as a bad movie script with an easily discernable plot. Although you can guess that they will reach their destination it is thrilling to find out how they overcome the various obstacles. The presentation of Aurelius as a hero with dark secret in his past is refreshing as he isn't a perfect hero. The ending also comes under scrutiny as it links in with Arthurian legend. What you must remember when reading this ending is that it is fiction and it is a beautiful lead into the legendary kings tale. After all Geoffrey Monmouth's version in 14th century of Arthur as a Knight in shining armour is far less accurate then this ending is. It is a very easy read although i suppose you do have to let the words wash over you a bit as the translation can make the speech seem very American movie-esque. There is bad language so any parents might want to note this before reading/buying for their children. It's not my favourite Manfredi (that's Spartan) but a good read regardless
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
I quite liked this book. Fast paced, dramatically set in the last glimmers of the Roman Empire. It makes a fascinating read, if not an historically accurate one (the timing whit byzantine history is all wrong)But,hey, it could be read as alternate history,surely! All in all, an entertaining story.
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
By chuckles
VINE™ VOICE
Format:Paperback
This book is quite an entertaining read, and is certainly much better than the film that was released recently. Not his strongest and unlike his other historical novels this is nearly all fiction. However this is still worth a read, and do not judge it on the film!
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3.7 out of 5 stars
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
A throughly good read.
A book worth reading, both for female and male readers. I only wish the film makers had included a larger slice of the book to make the story of the movie more rounded. Read more
Published 2 months ago by Mrs. Gillian E. Marriott
5.0 out of 5 stars
One off the best books ive read........ Ever !
I was lucky enough to read this book with out seeing the film first and have to say its one of the best tales of Rome and its impact on the world Ive read. Read more
Published 5 months ago by Dru Lucas
3.0 out of 5 stars
Has its ups and downs
There are things I really liked about the book and things I didn't. What I WILL say for potential readers is that the film they made from it bears virtually no resemblance to the... Read more
Published 16 months ago by SJATurney
4.0 out of 5 stars
Speculative historical fiction but a cracking good read
THE LAST LEGION Dr. Valerio Massimo Manfredi 2003
Dr. Valerio Massimo Manfredi, a very eminent Italian historian and the Professor of Classical Archaeology at the... Read more
Dr. Valerio Massimo Manfredi, a very eminent Italian historian and the Professor of Classical Archaeology at the... Read more
Published 22 months ago by BlackBrigand
1.0 out of 5 stars
Tripe
I'm flabbergasted by the 4 and 5 star reviews for The Last Legion. I agree whole-heartedly with the 1-star reviews. If possible I'd give it ZERO star! Read more
Published 23 months ago by Blue Bottle
1.0 out of 5 stars
Don't suspend your disbelief!
I enjoy imaginative re-takes on the Arthurian Legends - but this one is a model of how not to do it. Read more
Published on 1 Feb 2010 by C. S. Stephenson
5.0 out of 5 stars
The one that became a film
Another great read by Manfredi. I can certainly see why 'Hollywood' came calling for this one. It has all the elements - love, honour, betrayal, a secret from the past - which film... Read more
Published on 16 Dec 2009 by Mr. Noel Newman
4.0 out of 5 stars
Great villans
This book is thoroughly enjoyable. What a great story and so much better than the film which cuts most of the book out. Read more
Published on 19 Oct 2009 by Mr X
5.0 out of 5 stars
Forget the Movie - Read the Book !!
Unfortunately, I had the regretful experience of seeing the movie in a Thai cinema prior to finding this book for 40p at a local Summer Fete. Read more
Published on 8 Oct 2008 by Mr. R. Coleman
1.0 out of 5 stars
Utter drivel
It's hard to know whether to blame the author or the translator for this awful book. Suffice it to say that it's appallingly badly written, with a prose style that makes Dan Brown... Read more
Published on 3 Nov 2007 by Julian Day
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