- Hardcover: 432 pages
- Publisher: Macmillan (7 Feb 2003)
- Language English
- ISBN-10: 0333907698
- ISBN-13: 978-0333907696
- Product Dimensions: 23.6 x 15.4 x 4.4 cm
- Average Customer Review: 3.2 out of 5 stars See all reviews (36 customer reviews)
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 574,195 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
The Last Legion
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Product Description
Review
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.
Product Description
A brilliant new historical epic from the best-selling author of The Alexander Trilogy. As the Western Roman Empire begins to collapses in 470AD, a small band of British Roman soldiers, make a long and arduous journey to Rome. They arrive to find the city on the edge of chaos, over-run with rebellion, not far from destruction. Despite the tumultuous events around them, they resolve to continue their mission; to keep the spirit of Empire alive by rescuing the young son of the last Emperor, Romulus Augustus. A daring rescue ensures and, hearing rumours of an entire Legion of the Roman Army that has remained loyal to Rome, they begin a trek across Northern Europe to find them. By finding the Legion, and establishing the boy as the legitimate Emperor, the Romans believe an uprising can be launched and the Empire revived. But the journey is futile, the Legion is nowhere to be found and they find themselves quickly losing heart. Deciding to turn back to Britain, they cross the channel in defeat, little knowing the mysterious revelations and magical destinies that await them on their return.
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
16 of 16 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
2 of 2 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.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
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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Most Recent Customer Reviews
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 4 months ago by SJATurney
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 10 months ago by The Black Brigand
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 11 months ago by Blue Bottle
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
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
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
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
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
The empire fell in 476 ? I Don't think so...
This is the first attempt to bring the 476 AD events in to the light but although the story is great is also more fiction than reality. Read more
Published on 11 Jun 2007 by V. K. Manglaveras
Captivatingly Brilliant
Few authors can be better equipped to write about the subject of Rome and its Legions than Manfredi. Read more
Published on 4 April 2007 by J. Chippindale
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