For readers of Roman historical fiction, today brings the publication of Steven Saylor’s much-anticipated book, The Triumph of Caesar, the twelfth volume in his Roma Sub Rosa series.
Like the other 11 volumes, the Triumph of Caesar stars ancient investigator, Gordianus the Finder, who navigates through the complex political intrigue of first-century BC Rome in order to investigate rumors of a plot against the life of Julius Caesar.
Our sources at Amazon.com tell us that the already much-praised book places Gordianus at the epicenter of Cesarean politics in the years just before 44BC:
The Roman civil war has come to its conclusion – Pompey is dead, Egypt is firmly under the control of Cleopatra (with the help of Rome’s legions), and for the first time in many years Julius Caesar has returned to Rome itself. Appointed by the Senate as Dictator, the city abounds with rumors asserting that Caesar wishes to be made King – the first such that Rome has had in centuries. And that not all of his opposition has been crushed.
Gordianus, recently returned from Egypt with his wife Bethesda, is essentially retired from his previous profession of ‘Finder’ but even he cannot refuse the call of Calpurnia, Caesar’s wife. Troubled by dreams foretelling disaster and fearing a conspiracy against the life of Caesar, she had hired someone to investigate the rumors. But that person, a close friend of Gordianus, has just turned up dead – murdered — on her doorstep. With four successive Triumphs for Caesar’s military victories scheduled for the coming days, and Caesar more exposed to danger than ever before, Calpurnia wants Gordianus to uncover the truth behind the rumored conspiracies — to protect Caesar’s life, before it is too late. No fan of Caesar’s, Gordianus agrees to help – but only to find the murderer who killed his friend. But once an investigation is begun, there’s no controlling what it will turn up, who it will put in danger, and where it will end.
As has been the case with the whole of Saylor’s Roma Sub Rosa series, The Triumph of Caesar is winning great praise–and here at the eCool Compound we’re letting the dice fly in an effort to decide who gets to read it first!
Saylor on Writing Historical Fiction
While you’re waiting for your copy of The Triumph of Caesar to arrive from Amazon or elsewhere, we eCoolers suggest that you can satiate your thirst for all-things Steven Saylor in several other ways. Several months ago, Saylor, along with another celebrated writer of historical fiction, Steven Pressfield (among Pressfield’s works: Gates of Fire: An Epic Novel of the Battle of Thermopylae), took the stage at the Getty Villa in Malibu, CA, to discuss the art of writing historical fiction set in antiquity and the challenges of interpreting the classical past for modern audiences.
In their 84-minute discussion, Saylor and Pressfield revealed why they choose to set their novels in the ancient world, how they combine research and imagination to create stories that are both riveting and historically accurate, and why the ancient world continues to resonate deeply with today’s audiences. The discussion, which was made possible by an endowment from the Villa Council, is posted on the Getty website and you can watch it by clicking here.
The Triumph of Caesar Book Tour
Over the next few months, Saylor will making his own triumphal book procession–so make your way to one of these venues, hear him speak, and get a signed copy of The Triumph of Caesar.
Today, Tuesday 13 May at M is for Mystery in San Mateo, CA, Saylor launches The Triumph of Caesar with a book signing at 7pm. 86 East Third Avenue, 650-401-8077.
Wednesday 14 May at 7pm in Scottsdale, AZ. Steven will talk and sign books at The Poisoned Pen. 4014 N. Goldwater Blvd,. 480-947-2974.
On Saturday 17 May, Saylor will appear at 4:30pm on the Main Stage at the Kansas City Literary Festvial at Country Club Plaza in Kansas City, MO. Check the official schedule for any changes.
On Thursday 22 May in Portland, OR, Steven will talk to Friends of Mystery at the auditorium of Legacy Good Samaritan Hospital, 1040 NW 22nd Avenue (corner of NW 22nd and Marshall). Reception and annual book sale at 7:00pm; meeting begins at 7:30pm.
At Powell’s Books in Portland, OR on Friday 23 May where Steven will talk and sign books. 1005 W. Burnside, 800-878-7323.
On Wednesday 28 May in San Francisco, CA, Saylor will speak in the Latino B Room at the San Francisco Main Library (Civic Center) at 6:30pm. Copies of The Triumph of Caesar will be available for purchase.
In Berkeley, CA on Friday 30 May Steven will speak and sign books at Cody’s Books (the new downtown location) at 2201 Shattuck Avenue (at Allston Way). 7pm. 510-559-9500.
Click here for further appearances in San Francisco, Austin, and Lisbon in June and July.
