Review - Colleen McCollough's "Masters of Rome" series

As a general rule in this blog I won't review books that I haven't read in the last month or two but in some cases I need to discuss books that are just excellent. That is the case with the "Masters of Rome" series by Colleen McCollough. When I first began the series I was a little concerned - this was, after all, the writer of "The Thorn Birds". But my concern was misplaced - this is some of the best historical fiction ever written.

Her research and description of Roman life are amazing. How they governed themselves, how the courts worked, the Senate, the priests, the administration of the provinces, and the military campaigns are discussed in detail but also in the course of telling a great story. The story is the rise of Gauis Julius Caesar - the series begins when he is an infant and continues through his ascension to power and the competition with his rivals. So many important historical figures cross paths in these books - Caesar, Pompey, Crassus, Cicero, Cleopatra, Gaius Marius, Marc Anthony, etc are all brought to life.

The author uses the Roman terms for many items and events but don't be concerned if your Latin is rusty - the books each contain a glossary approaching 100 pages of key terms and people. Colleen McCollough does an amazing job bringing to life a key time in history and does so in a way that is not boring or textbook-like.


1. The First Man in Rome 'The First Man in Rome'
The beginning of Gaius Marius' career...

2. The Grass Crown 'The Grass Crown'
Enemy or friend?: Sulla's rise to power.

3. Fortune's Favorites 'Fortune's Favorites'
The rise of Pompeus Magnus and Caesar and the fall of Sulla

4. Caesar: A Novel
The Age of Caesar's wars...

5. Caesar's Women
Caesar falls in love...

6. The October Horse: A novel of Caesar and Cleopatra
The Cleopatra story and Ceasar's murder

I heartily recommend this for anyone who enjoys historical fiction, is interested in the Roman time period, or just likes great books.