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The Fall Of The West: The Death Of The Roman Superpower
Adrian Goldsworthy, Dr Adrian Goldsworthy Ltd
Prose: non-fiction, History
A sweeping narrative of the decline and fall of the Roman Empire.
The Fall of the Roman Empire has been a bestselling subject since the 18th century and until very recently, the academic view embarrassedly downplayed the violence and destruction, in an attempt to provide a more urbane account of late antiquity: barbarian invasions were mistakenly described as the movement of peoples. It was all painfully tame and civilised.
But now Adrian Goldsworthy comes forward with his trademark combination of clear narrative, common sense and a thorough mastery of the sources. In telling the story from start to finish, he rescues the era from the diffident and mealy-mouthed: this is a red-blooded account of aggressive barbarian attacks, palace coups, scheming courtiers and corrupt emperors who set the bar for excess. It is 'old fashioned history' in the best sense: an accessible narrative with colourful characters whose story reveals the true reasons for the fall of Rome.
Adrian Goldsworthy
Adrian Goldsworthy has a doctorate from Oxford University. His first book, THE ROMAN ARMY AT WAR was recognised by John Keegan as an exceptionally impressive work, original in treatment and impressive in style. He has gone on to write several other books, including PAX ROMANA, ANTONY AND CLEOPATRA, THE FALL OF THE WEST, CAESAR, IN THE NAME OF ROME and ROMAN WARFARE, which have sold more than a quarter of a million copies and been translated into more than a dozen languages. A full-time author, he regularly contributes to TV documentaries on Roman themes.
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