Dictator (Harris novel)
 First edition cover | |
| Author | Robert Harris. |
|---|---|
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Language | English |
| Series | Cicero trilogy |
| Genre | Historical novel |
| Publisher | Hutchinson |
Publication date | 8 October 2015 |
| Media type | Print (Hardback) |
| Pages | 384 pp (first edition, hardback) |
| ISBN | 978-0-09-175210-1 (first edition, hardback) |
| OCLC | 922021399 |
| Preceded by | Lustrum |
Dictator is a historical novel by British author Robert Harris. It is the sequel to Lustrum and the final volume of a trilogy about the life of Cicero (106–43 BC). It is something of a biography of Cicero and also a tapestry of Rome in the days of Pompey, Crassus, Cato, Caesar, Clodius and ultimately Octavian.[1]
"Thus Imperium (2006) describes the rise to power, Lustrum (2009) the years in power and Dictator (2015) the repercussions of power."[1]
Plot summary
The novel is the fictionalized account of Tiro, secretary of Cicero, of his master's last fifteen years. It begins with Cicero fleeing Clodius and his mob in Rome and going into exile in Thessalonica. He is able to return to Rome after more than a year under the promise to support Caesar. Back in Rome, he attempts to revive the Roman Republic, but the forces against this are too strong. Caesar becomes too powerful and is murdered. The Senate fails to take control and Pompey and Anthony battle it out. Pompey is murdered and Anthony rises. Cicero sets his hopes on the young Octavian, but when Octavian strikes a deal with Anthony, Cicero is doomed and the days of the Republic are over. Tiro also relates family and personal matters during Cicero's final years. [2]
Editions
- 2015, UK, Hutchinson (ISBN 978-0-09-175210-1), Pub date 8 October 2015, hardback (first edition)
- 2016, USA, Knopf (ISBN 978-0-307-95794-8), Pub date 12 January 2016, hardback (first US edition)
References
- 1 2 Robert Harris. "Robert Harris: why I write political fiction". The Guardian. Retrieved 14 October 2015.
- ↑ Peter Jones. "Dictator by Robert Harris - review". London Evening Standard. Retrieved 14 October 2015.