Harris, Robert: *1957

Imperium, 2006 - Information about the Book

  • General Information
    • The novel is a fictional biography of Cicero, told through the first-person narrator of his secretary Tiro.
    • Information from Wikipedia

    • Harris’s background as a political journalist and his close observation of modern politics, particularly his experiences with figures like Tony Blair, influenced his exploration of power in ancient Rome through the story of Cicero. Harris sought to vividly depict how power is won, wielded, and maintained, making the novel not just a historical account but also a reflection on timeless political strategies and human ambition.
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  • Facts
    • "Imperium" is the first installment in a planned trilogy detailing the exploits of Cicero. The second volume, Lustrum (Conspirata for U.S. audiences), was published in October 2009. The third volume, Dictator, was published in 2015.
    • Awards: Though "Imperium" itself did not win major literary awards, it was a critical success that contributed to Harris's reputation as a master of the historical novel genre.

    • Rise to Power
      The novel chronicles Cicero's ambitious journey from a young lawyer to becoming the first "new man" (someone not from the aristocratic class) elected as a Roman consul, the highest elected office. It depicts his development of oratory skills, building strategic alliances with the elite, and his prosecution of the corrupt governor Gaius Verres which brought him fame.

      Politics and Corruption
      A central theme is the harsh realities of Roman politics - the bargaining, deals, and corruption rampant among the ruling class. Cicero navigates this murky world, making compromises and alliances to achieve his ambitions while maintaining a veneer of virtue.

      Historical Figures
      The novel features many prominent historical figures like Pompey, Crassus, Caesar, Cato, and the young Mark Antony. Their characterizations and political maneuverings with Cicero are vividly portrayed.

      Narration Style
      The story is narrated by Cicero's slave and personal secretary Tiro, providing an intimate first-hand account of Cicero's public and private life.

      In essence, "Imperium" offers a fictionalized but well-researched glimpse into the tumultuous world of Roman republican politics through the lens of Cicero's meteoric rise.

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    • Many reviewers appreciated Harris's meticulous research and attention to historical detail. The novel was praised for bringing ancient Rome to life with vivid descriptions and an authentic sense of place and time.

      Some readers felt the political maneuvers and courtroom drama were particularly compelling. Yet some critics felt that the novel occasionally relied too heavily on historical exposition, which could slow down the narrative. Additionally, a few readers found the political intricacies complex and challenging to follow.

      Overall, "Imperium" was well-received for its engaging storytelling, rich historical context, and the compelling portrayal of one of Rome's greatest figures. It appealed to both fans of historical fiction and readers with an interest in ancient Roman history.

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    • Reader Rating:
  • Author
    • Audio (7:17)
      Drawing Parallels Between Ancient Rome and the U.S. Today. Robert Harris speaks with Steve Inskeep about how the history of Rome is reflected in our modern-day world. Harris sees parallels between the time of Rome's transition from republican to imperial rule and the challenges the U.S. faces now. NPR Radio; November 22, 2006
      Transcript
    • Robert Harris talks about the book. SwissEduc; Host: Hans Fischer. Berne, Switzerland; October 10, 2006
    • Robert Harris talks about his motivation for writing the Cicero trilogy.
    • Robert Harris on Cicero and ancient Rome
    • Robert Harris on power and populism
    • Podcast
      Talk with Robert Harris and an audience about the first of his bestselling Roman trilogy, "Imperium."
  • Commentary
    • Robert Harris’ "Imperium" is a compelling historical novel that chronicles the rise of Cicero, one of Rome’s greatest orators, through the lens of his secretary, Tiro. The book masterfully blends political intrigue with personal drama, showcasing Cicero’s ambition, wit, and moral struggles as he navigates the complex and corrupt Roman Republic. Harris employs a narrative style that immerses readers in Roman politics while maintaining accessibility through modern political analogies and engaging prose.

      While praised for its vivid depiction of Cicero’s legal and rhetorical brilliance, some critics note the oversimplification of certain dynamics, such as Tiro’s position as an enslaved narrator. This omission is seen as a missed opportunity to explore deeper human conflicts. Nevertheless, "Imperium" succeeds as both a legal thriller and a historical drama, offering a richly detailed portrayal of Cicero’s ascent amid the Republic’s decline.

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  • Reviews
  • Explanations
    • Page turners: Imperium: "If Harris sustains his narrative momentum, the coming trilogy seems sure to garner him a crown as Lord of the Laurel." Erik Spanberg. The Christian Science Monitor; October 6, 2006
    • Putting the past together: "Harris uses material native to the Romans whenever he can, fitting the fragments of real speeches and letters into the patterns of his own reconstruction. The result is an experiment as bold as it is unexpected." The Guardian ; September 2, 2006

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