History: Fiction or Science? (Chronology, No. 1)

Book Description

Recorded history is a finely-woven magic fabric of intricate lies about events predating the sixteenth century. There is not a single piece of evidence that can be reliably and independently traced back earlier than the eleventh century. This book details events that are substantiated by hard facts and logic, and validated by new astronomical research and statistical analysis of ancient sources.

Customer Reviews:

Calculations are only as good as your numbers.......2007-08-03

Yes, we can all agree that mainstream history is nearly 100% BS due to politics, economics, ego, problems with dating techniques, and various conspiracies. Agreed. But, I've been researching the distinct possibility that human history (in terms of civilizations) are much more ancient than we've been told, so coming across this book was very interesting to me. I wondered how Fomenko could be wrong (if at all) because he is very persuasive in his presentations. Then it dawned on me. If at previous times in prehistory, due to the various catastrophies that are well documented (comets, asteroids, planetary disruptions, plasma discharge, pole reversals, etc) the Earth was in a different position in relation to the sun, different tilt on its axis, different orbit, different rotation (in terms of velocity and DIRECTION), and the continents were in different positions, then would this not cause the ancients to see the sky (constellations) differently? In other words, is Fomenko making erronious assumptions about the physics of the Earth in pre-history, which then corrupt his data with regards to dating the relevant astrology? The last event to seriously disrupt our planet occured roughly 3500 years ago, according to other good researchers, so is it possible Fomenko has been confused by this? The vastly different physics of our planet in the not so distant past may explain this confusion, which is not to say the "mainstream" version of history is correct; on the contrary. I am not an expert in these fields, but wanted to see if this idea could spark discussion.

Pants on fire?.......2007-07-19

Will people ever read before spamming? Yes, Jesuits could not rewrite world history alone, they had help. Anyway, Dr Prof Acad A.Fomenko does not point to jesuits as the driving force of world wide history manipulation in published volumes 1,2,3;, actually he barely mentions the poor devils. Check it with 'Search inside' feature, please. China is rarely mentioned either, in fact, Dr Fomenko is completely eurocentric. Right, his theory contradicts all mainstream schools of history, because in their actual state they are all built on blatantly erroneus chronology. You don't need a mysterious cabal (conspiracy) to falsify history, the falsification is its modus operandi. It is inherent to history(ians) to falsify (distort) events, as it is inherent to humans to boast as it is inherent to power (authority) to legimize itself by referrring to glorious past made to its own order. Dr Prof Fomenko and team have identified scores of instances of such manipulation in Russian, European, etc.. history, and delivered valid statistical proof thereof. His own 'reconstruction' is completely another story. Forget c14 as a valid method of dating. W.Libby has initially discovered a brilliant method of INDEPENDENT dating. Too bad, c14 method has become a joke after a forced marrige with dendrochronology with consensual chronological scale inbuilt. Radiocarbon method can't stand blind tests, but is so very productive as a rubberstamp.

Accepted History & Chronology Must Be Changed. .......2007-04-09

There is no doubt that history as most know it is a sham, & institution's version of History both University & Church is fradulent & inaccurate. Everything was established with an agenda, The real "Dark Ages" are now when we have access to incredible amounts of information past authorities & more important 'common folk' didn't have but our institutions & educators are slow to evolve because of what has ignorantly & arrogantly been taught for too long. This is on many subjects not just Chronology.

For anyone to question "Why would a Mathematician have anything credible to say of History?" The answer is from Dr. Fomenko's preface in the book: "It would be worthwhile to remind the reader that in the XVI-XVII century Chronology was considered to be a subdivision of Mathematics." These volumes could possibly be some of the most important works to date & should be read by everyone with an interest in History, especially professors & educators who have a duty to the public. I have read both books & must say that 'Chronology 1' has some very eye opening & revolutionary information. Even if these volumes are part true the implications are profound & opens the doors to further investigations & questions which must be done. I speak several different lanquages & must say the logic Dr. Fomenko uses with "inflection" of words & words being read from left to right in one region & right to left in another then written backwards, the removal of vowels & get down to basics of words, or different cities & locations having the same name etc. is correct. Vowel usage has always been optional & varied, actually complicating linquistics & study. The first thing one has to understand is that words never had a fixed spelling in history like we do now, the spelling of words was mutable & regional, as well as names & titles of people were vast, varied & changed, NOTHING WAS FIXED or understood linear. Matters of Life & Death as well as financial profiteering yesterday & today were & are made with ignorant, illogical & conspiratorial views of history & reality, it's time people get closer to the Truth & society collectively grow up.

Very Interesting.......2007-03-07

It is a good proposal and I believe it will mature into something even better in the future. I think it deserves to be read.

History as Science Fiction.......2007-01-10

Anatoly Fomenko has written a very intriguing book, full of pictures, charts, and computer 'proof' of his thesis: backwards of AD900 we don't really know what happened or when. Between AD900 and AD1600 there is more certainty, but there is still a lot of fuzzy ground, and things don't get reliable until we get past the 1600's where the printing press made it very difficult for the perpetrators of this timeline manipulation to change anything that had been committed to print. The Dark Ages did not happen. Books were burned for a reason. One organization has doubled the actual length of its existence by expanding the real chronology. Read why.

I had always wondered why Christ died about AD33 and yet men waited until the 11th century to form the Knights Templar, the Cathars, etc and go after the Holy Land by force. Why the 1000 year gap? Turns out there wasn't more than a 10-12 year gap and he proves it using astronomy. This also implies that the planet is not as old as we have been told, and current Christian and other creationist scientists are already championing that idea without being aware of Fomenko's book. The two groups, creationist scientists and the Russian mathematical analysts corroborate each other. Fascinating.

Of course, all this flies in the face of what we have been told traditionally is the 'proper' chronology of western civilization, and most readers will experience 'cognitive dissonance' in reading this book. It means that our history going backwards from AD1600 becomes progressively more incorrect and unreliable until it cannot be trusted at all... in the space of 700-800 years.

Naturally, the curious, open-minded reader will want to know WHO did this, WHY, and did any of the events we think of as really ancient ever happen?
Dr. Fomenko is a respected scientist/mathematician at Moscow State University who has already answered these questions to the satisfaction of his initially skeptical colleagues. Most of them are now believers, a few still refuse to believe (the usual diehards), and of course the western press has ignored Fomenko's work -- for obvious reasons when you read the book. The ones who perpetrated this chronology ruse have a lot to answer for. They are still with us. That's why this book is a well-kept secret.

I gave the book a 4-star rating because I was unable to check out some of his claims; those I checked were as he said. But if even 1/3 of his claims are true, this punches a big hole in what we think is our history, the meaning of western civilization, our educational process (for repeating the ruse as gospel), and the trustworthiness of the organization that perpetrated this ruse, well-intentioned or not.

This book relates to current research into a Young Earth paradigm, to John Keel's discoveries about our planet, and Fr Malachi Martin's insights (in his now out-of-print books). We are indeed sheep who are manipulated and kept ignorant -- for a reason. While knowing what these men have to say may be the "booby prize" (as in: 'what can you do with this knowledge?'), it will provide interesting reading. Didn't someone say: "...and the Truth will set you free."?? For you to judge if this book contains the truth.

A Gladiator Dies Only Once: The Further Investigations of Gordianus the Finder (Novels of Ancient Rome)

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A light, entertaining read
Scrupulously Accurate Historical Details and Fun Stories
9 Stories about the Finder
Interesting collection, but sometimes simple
Not at the same level as the rest of the series

A Gladiator Dies Only Once: The Further Investigations of Gordianus the Finder (Novels of Ancient Rome)
Steven Saylor
Manufacturer: St. Martin's Griffin
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Roma: The Novel of Ancient Rome (Novels of Ancient Rome)

ASIN: 0312357443
Release Date: 2006-05-30

Book Description

Steven Saylors Roma Sub Rosa series of novels, set in the later Roman Republic and featuring Gordianus the Finder, has garnered unusual acclaim from readers and reviewers alike, establishing him as one of the pre-eminent historical mystery writers. In A Gladiator Dies Only Once, the second collection of his award-winning stories featuring Gordianus, Saylor more than meets his own high standards. Set between the events of his novels Roman Blood and Catilinas Riddle, these previously untold adventures from the early career of Gordianuswhen his adopted son, Eco, was still a mute boy and his wife, Bethesda, was but his slavewill delight Saylors many fans while illuminating details of the ancient world like no other writer can.

Customer Reviews:

A light, entertaining read.......2007-02-21

What is so refreshing about Saylor's writing is that it is so accessible. Instead of having to wade through convoluted politics and the dense historical matter of Rome, he has simply portrayed the daily life of it's citizens in a refreshing and interesting way. Reading his books is relaxing rather than challenging, and a nice way to learn more about a fascinating period of history.

Scrupulously Accurate Historical Details and Fun Stories.......2007-01-09

In 'A Gladiator Only Dies Once', Steven Saylor collects nine Gordianus the Finder tales he has written over the years. These stories are nice straightforward detective investigations with Gordianus as the upstanding honest gumshoe (gum-sandal?). His clients tend to be drawn from the patrician class of late Republican Rome - the supposed cream of society, but some of this cream has definitely spoiled.

Saylor is scrupulously accurate with historical details as he takes the reader to Sicily where he encounters Cicero and the secret of Archimedes' Tomb or to the luxuriant gardens and cherry orchards of the epicurean Lucullus. These are just two of the many historical characters in Saylor's stories. The resolution to Saylor's puzzles often lies not so much in the 'who did it', which is sometimes fairly obvious, as in 'why did they do it', generally a more interesting inquiry.

An appendix explains the provenance of each story and its connection to Roman history. A timeline of Gordianus' life will be a handy reference for fans of the Roma Sub Rosa series.

Highly recommended.

9 Stories about the Finder.......2006-10-03

Saylor has pleased me again with a fairly good portrayal of the Roman world and the limits of investigations into mysteries and crimes. I was slightly disappointed to not see Tiro mentioned more often given the number of guest appearances Cicero made -- the letters of Cicero to his secretary slave and freedman suggest they were rarely apart save when the orator and politican was in political disfavor or danger and none of these stories take place then. But these are short stories and need to be more focused on the immediate mystery at hand unlike a novel which can dive into the personal relationships and culture in greater degree.

Interesting collection, but sometimes simple.......2006-08-11

This collection of short stories contains many great little stories which take place during the late republic. Though many of the mysteries are very thinly veiled, most of the stories provide a interesting insight into to the daily life in the Roman republic.

I especially enjoyed the Cherries of Lucullus. It seemed especially sad and vivid.

It seems that the author did get carried away in Death by Eros. The story is written as if it is exceedingly unnatural for a man not to be gay in Naples during the late republic. True, the story takes place in a Greek society where homosexual love was accepted, but I doubt that every man in ancient Greek society was spending all their time thinking tenderly of man-on-man action.

Not at the same level as the rest of the series.......2006-08-05

I have to admit that i was dissappointed by Saylor in this book.One of the greatest assets of the "Roma sub Rosa" series is the masterful recreation of Roman society during Caesar's time.But when from the very first chapter, you see Lucius Claudius reading the "Daily" and talking about the "Reds" giving the "Whites" a run for their money in tomorrow's races... well, you get the idea of how these stories are written.You have this mottif of "americanising" the Romans through out the entire book.

The storylines and the characters also come off a bit shallow, but i guess that's to be expected from short stories..

All in all, Saylor's prose and writing remain excellent and the book makes a pleasant read.Just don't set your expectations too high...

As Sure as the Dawn (Mark of the Lion #3)

Average customer rating:

Pretty good except for the double standards
My! this book is long; also, what happened to the female characters?
As Sure as the Dawn (Mark of the Lion #3)
Incredibly engaging, thought-provoking, faith deepening for me
Rivers Rocks!

As Sure as the Dawn (Mark of the Lion #3)
Francine Rivers
Manufacturer: Tyndale House Publishers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0842339760

Book Description

This classic series has inspired over half a million readers. Both loyal fans and new readers will want the 10th anniversary editions of this beloved series. These editions include a new foreword from the publisher, a new preface from Francine Rivers, and discussion questions suitable for personal and group use.

#3 As Sure As the Dawn: Atretes. German warrior. Revered gladiator. He won his freedom through his fierceness . . . but his life is about to change forever.

Download Description

Atretes. German warrior. Revered gladiator. He won his freedom through his fierceness . . . but his life is about to change forever.

Customer Reviews:

Pretty good except for the double standards.......2006-11-25

I agree with the last reviewer that I thought this author's view of women is too black and white. I also got the impression that women's sexual immorality is so more hideous than men's. Marcus lives a thoroughly indulgent and immoral life, but escapes unscathed except for a feeling of emptiness. Sister Julia does the same and is wickedly punished with disease and other miseries. Seems like the sexual double standard is alive and well for Christians: men deserve a slap on the wrist; women need to get whipped.

My! this book is long; also, what happened to the female characters?.......2006-11-07

I don't want to put this book down (figuratively speaking). It was an engrossing read but I have some major objections. The first is that it really seems stretched out - Rizpah says something that's not even that bold, then she regrets it and wishes she had "held her tongue". Upon this event, a muscle in Atretes' neck jerks while he growls a fowl curse at her in an unwashed-barbarian manner. The baby happily gurgles nearby. Then it happens again. And again. And again.

My second objection is that some parts are overwrought and silly, as in a fantastic romance novel. This is a shame because some parts of the first 2 books have brilliant scenes that transport the reader to the Roman Amphitheater, the home of a typical aristocratic roman family, Jerusalem under siege, etc. This trilogy could have been excellent had the author stayed away from the supernatural and the overwrought romantic.

Last, and most objectionable, the author is obviously a prejudiced woman. In her world, women are very clearly divided into two distict categories - the good and the bad. The good are saintly, always kind, submissive to men, and self-effacing to the point where they are not recognizable as human beings - ie Hadassah, Rizpah, Phoebe. The only other kind of woman is the conniving, wicked sorceress type who is wanton, tempts men, and - the hallmark of the wicked woman - has no respect for male authority ie Calabas, Julia, Aria, Anomia. The only good woman who is allowed a bit of spirit is Rizpah, and her fieryness is in the end totally erased. Yes, Julia is willful but in a stupid way and she is surely punished for it. It's as if the women have no soul.

The author transports a lot of the New Testament into the book and she makes it seem real. But there were women leaders of the early church - it's there, in the New Testament. Why did she leave that completely out?

As Sure as the Dawn (Mark of the Lion #3).......2006-11-07

This is a MUST READ series. I love any book written by Francine Rivers and this series is no different. You won't be able to put it down.

Incredibly engaging, thought-provoking, faith deepening for me.......2006-11-04

I highly recommend all 3 Mark of the Lion books. I was blessed by them.

Rivers Rocks!.......2006-10-17

I'm one of those girls that avoids anything pink or fluffy. I avoid being "cute". I don't like Valentine's Day. And I hate romance novels!

And I used to think Christian romance novels were the worst. And don't even try recommending a Christian historical romance novel! I'd tell you that's something my mom would read.

But then I read Francine River's Mark of the Lion series. Wow, did my opinion change drastically. Here was violence, power plays, all kinds of sin, impossible love, God's glory verbally portrayed in ways that gave me goosebumps, and history, of all things! I always thought of a boring historical "tourist" city when I thought of (for example) Rome. This book really put some imagination to the times and caught my interest!

So, besides being a fascinating read, this series has both gospel truth and well-researched history.

The first book (A Voice In The Wind) is my favorite. The second book I didn't like as much (maybe because it didn't have so many men in it? =) and this book is my second favorite. Read other reviews for plot outlines and details.

History: Fiction or Science? Chronology 2 (Chronology)

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Check and see
Suprise! Suprise!
Prescient St Augustine?
Something of a disappointment
Romulus courts Helen, Paris founds Rome, Moses goes to Troy..

History: Fiction or Science? Chronology 2 (Chronology)
Anatoly T Fomenko
Manufacturer: Delamere Resources LLC
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 2913621066

Product Description

`History: Fiction or Science? Chronology 2` is the second volume of the most explosive and astounding tractate on history ever written - however, every theory it contains, no matter how unorthodox, is backed by rock solid scientific data. The book is easy and pleasant to read; it is well-illustrated, contains hundreds of charts, graphs and illustrations, copies of ancient manuscripts, and countless facts attesting to the falsity of the chronology used nowadays. You will be amazed to discover: - That the chronology universally accepted today and taken for granted is simply wrong; - That ALL methods of dating of ancient sources and artefacts known today are erroneous or non-exact; - That there is not a single document that could be reliably dated earlier than the XIth century; The Author refers to the Middle Ages as the Antiquity and proves mutual superimposition of the Second and the Third Roman Empire, both of which become identified as the respective kingdoms of Israel and Judah. Furthermore, he asserts that the famous reform of the Occidental Church in the XI century by Pope Gregory Hildebrand was the reflection of the XII century reforms of Byzantine emperor Andronicus who in his turn identifies with Jesus Christ. The Trojan war counted by Homer happened only as late as of the XIII century A.D. and the great poet actually lived in XIV century A.D. No stone in history of Antiquity is left unturned. Literally. This book is the beginning of a major correction to the chronology we live with.

Customer Reviews:

Check and see.......2007-06-21

I don't care what other people say of this book. Those affirmig it's fake, they hadn't ever read it. Or have some special reasons to do so. "Living is easy with eyes closed, misunderstanding all you see..." This book won't make you feel comfortable. It'll make you feel free. It'll make you feel you're "not the only one" to feel you'd been lied to for centuries.

Suprise! Suprise!.......2007-03-22

Here is a serie of books which turns "the whole world" upside down. I learned a lot of it and I hope that a new book from A.T. Fomenko will follow very quick. A absolute must for everybody who is interested in history or even a little bit from it.

Prescient St Augustine?.......2006-02-05

We can so far divide the New Chronology into the following three parts:

a) The verifiable theory that proves consensual chronology wrong with the aid of astronomy, statistics and mathematics;

b) The new chronology hypothesis based on a new understanding of known historical facts and the most likely logical explanation of the most obvious inconsistencies inherent in the official version of history;

c) The history conjectures, that is experimental historical reconstructions based on assumptions that the authors believe to make sense in the light of their research and linguistic parallels - void of ironclad factual support to date.

Fomenko's theory complies with the most rigid scientific standards as a whole:

It gives a coherent explanation of what we already know.

- It is consistent: independent lines of inquiry all lead to the same conclusion.

- The predictions it makes are confirmed empirically.

Fomenko goes by the following axioms:

- Chronology is the basis of history;

- Human evolution has always been linear, gradual and irreversible;

- The "cyclic" nature of human civilization is a myth, likewise all the gaps, duplicates, "dark ages" and "renaissances" that we know from consensual history;

- The accumulation of geographical knowledge as reflected in cartography is a gradual and irreversible process;

- The chronological distance between a given manuscript and the events described therein is proportional to the amount of distortions it contains;

- There is no "useless" information in authentic ancient sources.

Why the mainstream historians do not shower mathematician Academician Dr.Prof Fomenko with thanks and laurels?

The Russians:

Because Fomenko asserts that there was no such thing as the Tartar and Mongol invasion followed by three centuries of slavery, providing a formidable body of documental evidence to prove his assertion. The so-called "Tartars and Mongols" were the actual ancestors of the modern Russians, living in a bilingual state with Arabic spoken as freely as Russian. The ancient Russian state was governed by a double structure of civil and military authorities. The hordes were actually professional armies with a tradition of lifelong conscription (the recruitment being the so-called "blood tax"). Their "invasions" were punitive operations against the regions that attempted tax evasion. Fomenko proves that Russian history as we know it today is a blatant forgery concocted by a host of German scientists brought to Russia by the usurper dynasty of the Romanovs, whose ascension to the throne was the result of coup d'état, charged with the mission of making their reign look legitimate. Fomenko proves Ivan the Terrible to be a collation of four rulers, no less. They represented the two rival dynasties - the legitimate rulers and the ambitious upstarts. The winner took it all! Over some 30 years of controversy, Russian historians have made a most remarkable transition - they were initially accusing the young mathematician Fomenko of anticommunist dissident activity and attempts to deface the historical legacy of Soviet Russia; nowadays the middle-aged mathematician is accused of adhering to "pro-communist Russian nationalism" and defacing the proud historical legacy of Great Russia.

The Westerners:

Because Fomenko blows consensual Russian history to smithereens, successfully removing a crucial cornerstone from underneath the otherwise impeccable edifice of World History. Fomenko adds insult to injury, wiping out one by one the Ancient Rome (the foundation of Rome in Italy is dated to the XIV century A. D.), the Ancient Greece and its numerous poleis, which he identifies as the mediaeval crusader settlements on the territory of Greece, and the Ancient Egypt (the pyramids of Giza become dated to the XI-XV century A. D. and identified as the royal cemetery of the Global "Mongolian" Empire, no less). The civilization of the Ancient Egypt is irrefutably dated to the XII-XV century A. D. with the aid of the ancient Egyptian horoscopes cut in stone. He was the first one to decipher and date all such horoscopes, coming up with mediaeval dates in every case. English historians rage at the suggestion that the history of Ancient England was de facto a Byzantine import transplanted to the English soil by the fugitive Byzantine nobility. To reward the English historians who consider themselves the true scribes of World History, the cover of the present book portrays Tintoretto's Jesus Christ crucified on the Big Ben.

The Chinese:

Because Fomenko wipes out the Ancient History of China outright. No such thing. Full point. The compilation of the so-called Ancient Chinese History is reliably datable to the XVII-XVIII century only. It is perfectly recognizable as the Ancient European history, reworked and transcribed in hieroglyphs as yet another historical transplantation, this time performed on the Chinese soil by the loving Jesuit hands. The Chinese are the next in line to go berserk. Chinese history is inevitably bound to get both more ancient and more eventful, proportionally to the growing involvement of China in the world affairs. Chinese historians will keep on finding valid proof of prehistoric Chinese spaceflights until the Politburo orders them to shut up.

The Arabs:

Too bad. Islam with all its key figures is datable to XV-XVI century A. D. Arabic historians may find consolation in the crucial historical role of the Ottoman Empire in the XVI-XVII century. The trouble is that this empire was initially a Christian state, with Hagia Sophia identifiable as Temple of Solomon, according to Fomenko! We can only guess if the acquisition of Alexander the Great (a Macedonian and a Christian) as the founder of the Muslim World Empire will make Fomenko's theories more acceptable to the Arabic mainstream. He certainly does not spare any holy cows at all, claiming The Stone of Qa'Aba in Mecca to contain the lost Arch of the Covenant.

The Divinity:

Despite of reiterated statement that his theory is all about chronology and not Religion, Fomenko stirs up a whole condominium of wasp nests. His collection of anathemas, fatwa, and other condemnations from all parties concerned is already considerable. Little wonder, considering that the history of religions à la Fomenko looks as follows: the pre-Christian period (before the XI century and JC), Bacchic Christianity (XI-XII century, before and after JC), JC Christianity (XII-XVI century) and its subsequent mutations into Orthodox Christianity, the Catholicism, Islam, Buddhism, and so on.

According to Fomenko we know strictly NOTHING about the events that predate the X century A. D.

St Augustin was prescient when he spoke unto us: "be wary of mathematicians, particularly when they speak the truth."

Something of a disappointment.......2005-09-09

After having read the first volume of this expected series of 7 volumes I was triggered by the thesis of these authors that ancient Greek and Roman history did in fact take place in the Middle Ages. So I started studying medieval history of the Middle East - also known as Islamic history - to find out if the opponents of the ancient Greeks and Romans - the Acheamenid Persians, Sassanids, Scythians, Egyptians, etc. - also have their duplicates in medieval history. My search was disappointing: none of the many medieval Islamic dynasties seemed to correspond to the ancient middle eastern rulers.

However, I did find a close correspondence between Herodotus' Persian kings and medieval events:

- the defeat and capture of an Anatolian king - the Lydian Croesus - by the Persian conqueror Cyrus is identical to the defeat and capture of another Anatolian king - sultan Bayezid - by the Asian/Mongol conqueror Tamerlane;
- the Persian conquest of Egypt by the cruel tyrant Cambyses reds almost exactly as the Ottoman conquest of Egypt by Selim the Grim (note the nickname!);
- Darius the Lawgiver of the Persian Empire looks very much alike to Sulayman the Magnificent, the Lawgiver in Islamic history;
- Xerxes, whose main claim to fame is to be defeated by the Greeks at the naval battle of Salamis, looks like Selim II (the Sot) whose main claim to fame is to be defeated by a Spanish-Italian alliance at the naval battle of Lepanto.

I should have expected Fomenko et al. to arrive at similar conclusions, however, they claim that the Persian kings are the alter egos of the Angevin kings of Sicily whose biographies do not contain the exploits of the Persian kings.

The similiarities I indicate lead to the conclusion that Herodotus must have written his Histories at the close of the 16th century. But this is extremely late, given that Herodotus is "the Father of History", so therefore all other "ancient" histories must have been fabricated even later. Yet, the founders of modern chronology - Scaliger and Petavius - laid their foundations also at the close of the 16th century and had the full corpus of ancient histories already at their disposal.

It seems to me that Fomenko has to address these inconsistencies, maybe in the forthcoming 5 volumes?

Another critique of their book is that the correspondencies between different rulers are often based on a superficial comparison of the biographies; upon a more thorough comparison many details appear that do not correspond at all.

Finally, the authors rely heavily on the works of Gregorovius (1821-1891!!) - his medieval histories of Rome and Athens - as the source of medieval history; these works are - at least in the West - hoplessly outdated and have been superceded by more up-to-date works (for instance, Julius Norwich's trilogy on Byzantine history is not even cited).

Romulus courts Helen, Paris founds Rome, Moses goes to Troy.........2005-07-30

If you agree with Fomenko that Roman chronology is basically the foundation of the entire edifice of global chronology; you would also certainly agree that despite its numerous gaps and inconsistencies, Roman history is the best-documented field of ancient history, and thus a reference scale. But how well is the actual date of the Eternal City's foundation known?

Firstly, Rome is supposed to have been founded by the Trojans who had to flee after the fall of Troy. Some claim Rome to have been founded by Aeneas and Ulysses shortly after Troy had fallen; others are of the opinion that there was an entire dynasty that ruled for 500 years between the fall of Troy and the foundation of Rome.

Well, that's just an innocent 500 years long misunderstanding compared with what heretic Fomenko says, asserts, proves in his second volume: Second Roman Empire, Third Roman Empire, Biblical Kingdom of Israel, Biblical Kingdom of Judah, Holy Roman Empire are stories about basically same events, written from different points of view at different times. The underlying events have actually taken place during xii-xv cy. These histories have been written and perfected by multitude of highly talented humanist and clerical writers of xiii-xvi cy disguised as "ancients" with glorious names like Homer, Pluto, Thucydides etc..Chronology 2.0 beta..

Historians are kindly invited to report the bugs.

Average customer rating:

What Happened to this Previously Brilliant Author?
Very Interesting Book.
A Terrible Fall For Stuart Wilde
His best and most revealing work
This book changed my life

God's Gladiators
Stuart Wilde
Manufacturer: Brookemark Llc
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 097143963X

Book Description

God's Gladiators by Stuart Wilde is his most personally revealing book to date. He lays his soul bare as he goes in pursuit of the devil, and finds him a decent chap if a little misunderstood. The dark side, after all, stands side by side with the light, waiting for each of us personally to walk up and shake their hands. What a glorious moment awaits as we embrace our mortality and say good-bye to our illusion of perfection. Stuart lays it all out for us. It's up to you where you go from here.

Customer Reviews:

What Happened to this Previously Brilliant Author?.......2007-01-21

I read this after reading all of his other works - what a disappointment! He contradicts his other works and goes on about fighting the Grays and submitting to some Goddess with firery eyes. This is not compatible with his other teachings and seems full of struggle. All of his previous works focus on creating your own reality and choosing to see what you want to see - where as in this book he seems to have given up to some other power and seems lost. The book left me with an overall feeling of despondency.
It was all a bit sad, he used to be my favorite author. What happened Mr. Wilde?

Very Interesting Book........2006-12-26

I recommend reading ALL of Stuart Wilde's books. He will change the way you thik about thinking.

A Terrible Fall For Stuart Wilde.......2005-08-18

For years I have been a fan of Stuart Wilde, often an uncomfortable one, who has been challenged by his ideas and ideals. I ordered God's Gladiators and read it cover to cover the day it arrived. I immediately went into a long clinical depression (my first) while I tried to wrestle with the dark world he has invented. Now that I am well medicated and almost a year into therapy, I can see the book for what it is, and objectively: The Ravings Of A Liar Or A Madman. If the book is meant to be a metaphor, Wilde pointing out that the devil story IS a metaphor only makes it appear the rest of the book is not. I think this old man has gone bonkers, right out to lunch, and is quite possibly schizophrenic. Try holding up any of his claims to scientific scrutiny and I bet we'll find nothing that can be proven. This is a sad and dangerous book by a sick man who used to have something to say. Total BS. I wonder what Wayne Dyer thinks of this crap?

His best and most revealing work .......2005-07-24

Stuart Wilde lays it all out. If you have not read any of his other work I suggest you do so BEFORE reading God's Gladiators. Everything Stuart has written is worth a read but God's Gladiators supasses anything he has done beofre. He pushes your limits as he pushed his own. I highly recommend any of his work.

This book changed my life.......2005-04-13

I was going through a crisis in my life and I intuitively picked up this book off a shelf. It was one of the strangest events of my life as I had never heard of Stuart Wilde or any of the many other books he has written. This book is about Wilde's journey through the dimensional doorways and into the other dimensions that many know are there but few have had the time or courage to enter. This book is about the "Godess", and what one may find when going on a "Godess" or vision quest. The energy is what he has referred to as Quest, or the sacred journey, but this story takes it a step further. As we are entering a quickening now, and events begin to accelerate, I believe that now is the right time for those who are ready to take the Red Pill and find out just what reality really is and not what the fat controllers of the world want you to believe it is. This book is a sort of Red Pill, a doorway into an energy that changes the direction you are going in life if you are ready. I picked up that energy and I am ready, a year and a half later, to leave everything behind and go on my personal quest. That is the energy contained in this book, and that is the energy which will slowly transform our world and save our people. If you have the courage and this feels right for you, get it.

Age of the Gladiators: Savagery & Spectacle in Ancient Rome

Average customer rating:

Fine introduction to the Roman world and oh yeah... gladiators too
Less than I expected

Age of the Gladiators: Savagery & Spectacle in Ancient Rome
Rupert Matthews
Manufacturer: Book Sales
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0785818596

Customer Reviews:

Fine introduction to the Roman world and oh yeah... gladiators too.......2006-07-29

It's worth it for the reader of my review to also read the review below mine from Michael. His review is fair and touches on some good points about the book. However, I give this book a little more credit (maybe a lot more since I give it 5 stars).

I, too, discovered this book in Barnes and Noble at a decent bargain bin price around $6. I knew nothing about gladiators (having seen Spartacus or Gladiator still doesn't mean you know anything ;)), but I did have some general understanding of the basic Roman history. Well, when I started reading it, I found the author's writing style and his succinct chapters very pleasing. The chapters are short and to the point: Origin of the Games, Spartacus, Training the Gladiators, Varieties of Killer, Naval Battles, Wild Animal Hunts, Executions, The Colosseum... etc etc; chapters that focus on one aspect of the Roman games and everything that correlates with it. There is no meandering or pedantic scholarly side-steps into boring history. The book is small, too, so its 236 pages are more like reading 100, but that doesn't negate its impact as an educating book; think of the book as quality over quantity.

Regarding the information on the gladiatorial games, I found this book immensely informative. I knew nothing about the gladiator styles, the murmillo and secutors, or the perversely creative ways of executing prisoners (you won't believe it; throwing Christians to the lions was just the beginning). Even more so, I had no idea just how many people AND animals were killed; thousands and thousands and thousands over years and years. When you read that actual animal species became extinct from all the imports of animals and slaughters in the arena, suddenly it seems not even the history of nature, with all the slain wildlife can even compete with Rome's insatiable lust for dead animals. PETA would go insane and kill themselves from the statistics. This is just one very enlightening highlight in this book and there's plenty more to be had.

However, this book does not focus entirely on gladiators; it's not really meant to be that thorough of a project. It's more of an introduction to Roman entertainment in general. It does detail the Roman Triumphs (equivalent of our military parades), the Bread Doles and even touches on some of the debauched parties held by Caligula and Nero. By the end of the book, the gladiators are in the background and no longer under the spotlight. Depending on how fast you read the book, this may leave you wanting more about the gladiators. However, if you read fast, you'll still retain what you know about gladiators and not miss them when the last half of the book focuses on other things.

But this is not a negative point to me. The book ends quite nicely with chapters touching on Cleopatra, the barbarians encroaching on Rome, and then the final fall. From the start of the book you feel like you're reading about an amazing race of people that we will never see again. And at the end, as Michael commented on below, you sadly read the fact that Rome becomes a joke, destroyed by its own corruption and ineptitude.

Bottom line: If you would like a relatively quick and pleasing read on the underrated portions of Rome's history (the War in Sicily, Gladiatorial games, and even sex parties held by Caligula) this is a good book to start with. If you're somewhat of an aficionado on Roman history, you might not be all that impressed; it's an introduction to Rome, gladiators, the horse races, and the "Savagery and Spectacle in Ancient Rome" as the subtitle of the book suggests.

Less than I expected.......2006-07-18

I was in a Barnes and Noble one day and I saw this book on the bargain table for about half the original price. I just discovered that Amazon has it for even a lower price than I paid.

Nevertheless, the book started off with what I thought it should; talking about Gladiators. From the origin, training, those who became Gladiators, to the different types of Gladiators, when they were used, how much the "games" meant to Roman society and how the Gladiators died, I found the information intriquing. A description of how they dressed during their arena battles was also included. All of this was great information. I gave this book three stars because only the first half talked about Gladiators.

After that, the rest of the book included general Roman society. It was interesting and nice to know information but I didn't have my mind set for that. The rest of the book talked about the "Circuses" including chariot races, Roman festivals and riots. There was a section about Roman Triumphs, which were spectacles put on for returning conquering generals. Then there was a section about the food supply in Rome. The author managed to fit Cleopatra in this section. It just isn't why I bought the book.

I found that there were some sections that repeated information, not in a "review" manner, but as if it was the first time introduced into the material.

Overall, I suppose all of this stuff does fit into the title of the book, "The Age of the Gladiators." All of this stuff occurred during the age they existed. There are interesting pictures that lead each section and the front cover is a great picture. I found myself looking at it during the author's description of what a Gladiator wore.

This was enough to whet my appetite for more Gladiator knowledge and Roman history, in general. It's sad the way Rome fell. So, if you want a book talking exclusively about Gladiators, there must be others out there. But if you don't mind reading tidbits of information about general Roman society, then this book isn't a bad one to start with.

Average customer rating:

Graphic SF Reader
Roman Asterix
Brainless fun.
super!!!! more xcitment!!!!
Very entertaining, great illustrations

Asterix the Gladiator (Asterix)
Rene Goscinny
Manufacturer: Orion
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0752866117

Book Description

Oh no! The Romans have captured Caconofix as a gift for Caesar—and the Emperor plans to throw him to the lions. There’s only one way for Asterix and Obelix to rescue their bard: they have to become gladiators themselves.

Customer Reviews:

Graphic SF Reader.......2007-09-03

A Roman official makes a big mistake. Needing to get Caesar a present, he decides on an invincible Gaul, and choose Cacofonix, because he is easy to capture owing to his solitary walks in the woods. Caesar isn't interested, and decides to throw him to the Lions.

Asterix and Obelix have to rescue him, of course, and after playing can't find out how to get into the gladiatorial arena two-step games for a while. They manage it, which is bad for the longevity of the career of the head of the Circus.

Roman Asterix.......2007-01-10

"Asterix the Gladiator" is the fourth Asterix comic in the series, first published in 1964. It's a fairly enjoyable story, and worth a read for Asterix fans.

The Prefect of Gaul is heading back to Rome for some leave, and tradition says that he must bring back something for Caesar. He decides to bring a Gaul from Asterix's village, as their reputation suggests they might play well as gladiators at Circus Maximus. Cacofonix the bard is captured and taken away, and Asterix and Obelix head into Rome to get him back, sailing with Phoenicians, taking a Roman bath, and trying their own luck as gladiators.

It's a bit subdued, the story, but it's still pretty interesting.

Brainless fun........2005-11-16

Rene Goscinny, Asterix the Gladiator (Orion, 1964)

Ah, Asterix. I had originally decided to start tracking these down during my Tintin-collecting days, then somewhere along the way I got sidetracked. It's taken me till now to remember, so I've started making up for lost time.

Asterix and his everpresent sidekick Obelix have to go to Rome and masquerade as gladiators in order to save (for some reason we haven't yet figured out, given his voice) the bard Cacofonix. This leads to forty-eight pages of relatively constant conflict, along with a slew of jokes about awful voices and parsley.

Goscinny and Uderzo are not subtle. (I remember thinking this even back in the Tintin-collecting days, when I was seeing a panel or two at a time, as opposed to a whole book.) Those picking up Asterix for the first time are going to be quite disappointed if they're expecting all the nuance and subtlety of today's better graphic-novel efforts. But for those who are just looking for a good time, Asterix and Obelix are rather like the comic-book version of a Schwarzenegger flick; turn your brain off and have a good time. ***

super!!!! more xcitment!!!!.......2004-12-15

more humor from asterix and obelix... in this episode the duo try their hand at becoming gladiators....

Very entertaining, great illustrations.......2003-12-09

As a child, I read all of the "classic" Asterix books in Swedish. As an adult living in the U.S., I am reading them again to my children, but this time in English. This is an old classic, and it is very entertaining.

Asterix and Obelix live in small village in Gaul that Julius Caesar never succeeded to subdue. In this story, the village bard (whose musical talents are beyond frightening), is kidnapped, and sent to Rome as a gift to Julius Caesar. Even though the villagers rather not hear his voice again, they set out to rescue him. However, before he is home safe and sound, he will have his chance to perform (torture more accurately) for Julius Caesar and the citizens of Rome.

I find that children the age 5-13 usually really enjoy these books, not just mine. These comic books are a great way to teach children ancient history. Naturally, the adult needs to help with the differentiation between fiction and history. From these books, my kids have learned about the Roman Empire, the ancient Greeks, the Vikings, the Goths, the Phoenicians, ancient Gaul, ancient Egypt, and the ancient Mediterranean world in general.

The Light Bearer
Average customer rating:

A Fascinating Book

A sumptuous tale with few stops for breath

I loved it! Suspenseful, passionate, breathtaking imagery

A Book to Savor

A Really Bad Soap Opera

The Light Bearer
Donna Gillespie
Manufacturer: Berkley Trade
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0425143686

Amazon.com

Quo Vadis for our times! Well, not exactly. It's been awhile since anyone tackled the Roman Empire as entertainingly as Gillespie has done in this book, a nearly-straight historical novel which should please readers of fantasy, too. Germanic Auriane is a combination of the noble, natural savage, and the heroine marked from birth for great deeds. Roman Marcus Julianus is the personification of the highest civilized, republican Roman values. Both are typical and atypical of their societies, fighting for what each believes to be just. Their individual struggles with the clashing Roman and Teutonic cultures are carried out in the Northern forests and in the salons and arena of Rome. Strongly- drawn characters, a setting both familiar and exotic (we all know something of imperial Rome, but very few of us are well-informed about it), a whiff of New-Age ancient mysticism, and a subdued but important romance subplot drive the sweeping novel of Auriane's growth and maturity and Rome's decadence.

Book Description

On the day of her birth, Auriane received a mysterious amulet from a priestess-and a doubleedged prophecy of doom and glory. The daughter of a Germanic tribal chieftain, Auriane witnessed unspeakable horrors committed against her people by ruthless invaders. And when tragedy tore her family apart, she took the oath of a warrior, and vowed revenge. Tales of her brilliant swath of conquest carried as far as Rome, to the renowned statesman Marcus Julianus-who felt his destiny intertwined with Auriane's, and wore about his neck an identical amulet

Customer Reviews:

A Fascinating Book.......2007-10-04

This is a big book by any standards, 800 pages and is the result of years of research and study by the author into the culture, and history of Rome and the Germanic tribes. I found it fascinating, exciting and thought provoking. In fact everything that a good book should be.

The year is AD 83 and the Emperor Domitian has crossed the Rhine with four legions, approximately 24,000 men and they have not marched that far for the exercise. The German tribes have tried to maintain their independence for as long as they can, but against such might their resistance is futile. Thus begins this mammoth book that takes us from the heartlands of the Rhine back to the decadence and temptations of ancient Rome.

A young woman Auriane, daughter of a chieftain who was to become the most revered prophetess of the tribes is captured and taken to Rome as a slave. There her life is changed completely and everything that she stands for is brushed away like so much rubbish. But having known her destiny from being a child Auriane is not about to bow to the yoke of Rome without a fight . . .

A sumptuous tale with few stops for breath.......2007-09-12

There is much I could say about "The Light Bearer" which has already been said, but as I don't review all the books in McCullough's Masters of Rome series (of which I've ready each book), I don't feel I can properly do justice to the greatness of this sweeping epic, which unlike McCullough's work, spans not just from Rome, but from a not well known Germanic tribe called the Chattians.

Gillespie does an amazing job of keeping Rome and Germania separate in writing details, with an inevitable connection between the two. Much is equally known about both the Chattians and the Romans as if written by two authors with the same writing style.

Some high points I point out are the very subtle rise of Domitianus's deranged paranoia and Caligulan/Neronian style reign, though the foreshadowing was a bit too obvious for my tastes.

Other interesting bits are the use and apparent source of commonly known modern things among the Chattians, such as the Goddess of the underworld, Hel, and the Eastre celebration, involving children dressed as rabbits and the hiding of colored eggs.

Because the flaws are so few and insignificant in the face of the greater elements, I think it's easier to point them out:

The writing is very sumptuous, but often at times it can get too dense and bogged down in details. This occurs mostly the first time Auriane enters the Colisseum.

Also, the sex. I've become used to ancient historical novels writing sex scenes very metaphorically and obtusely, without using direct wording. Gillespie appears to take it to such an extreme, with the vividly flowery writing between Marcus and Auriane's lovemaking that it becomes like a dense poem jackknifing from the wonders of nature and life and the gods in an obtuse manner, you nearly forget that the two characters are having sex. So over the top is the writing, that the way Gillespie describes it, you'd think Auriane was having blinding orgasms at just Marcus's touch on her arm or chest.

With the state of Rome at this point, and the main character being a foreigner and enemy to Rome, it's inevitable that a bias against Rome would be drawn, but the male character of Marcus Arrius Julianus is so much the outcast that there is little distinction between how Auriane and Marcus view the Roman world despite their differences. Auriane views Rome as savage and barbaric, and a plague on Fria's realm, whereas Marcus views it in somewhat the same fashion, but figures it's all he has, so he may as well love it.

Aside from Julianus and some of the senators friendly to him, you'd think Rome was a festering pot of corruption, barbarity, and bloodlust the epitome of the Roman view of the barbarians, while the Chattians are viewed as pure, natural, children of the earth that can do no wrong and are victimized by everyone from Rome to their neighboring tribes. Any opposition to Baldemar, Auriane's father and chieftain of the Chattians, is viewed as petty greed and personal problems on the part of the dissenter.

Some forgiveable offenses include loose ends, which may be tied up in the sequel "Lady of the Light", or the as of yet unnamed second sequel, including both Marcus and Auriane having amulets of earth from their childhood, duplicates of one another, and Auriane's seeming mystical foresight.

All these flaws are minimal, in my view, and not much to drag the otherwise epic tale down a full star in rating.

There is one issue with both Auriane and Marcus Julianus which may detract some readers, though is apparently done in such a way that broad interpretation can explain it away as easily as it couldn't: Gillespie may be guilty of "Mary-Sue"ing with Auriane and Marcus Julianus. Both seem to be greater than their surroundings, meant for greater things not yet known to either, and with little to no flaws beyond what their separate societies have naturally imbued in them (stubborn traditionalism in Auriane, cynic realism in Marcus), and beautiful physiques. From a certain point of view, many of their actions or words appear to be Mary Sue-ish reflections of the author's own point of view (determined by the narrative) or of a sense of moral or social well-being beyond that of someone from ancient times.

Or this could simply be the tired ramblings of a fussy reader.

Either way, the over 1000 page epic was a great read, and a highly insightful view into how the Germanic tribes of the early Roman Empire, and the early Roman Empire itself may have been.

I loved it! Suspenseful, passionate, breathtaking imagery.......2007-05-18

The Lightbearer is truly an amazing read. Once I began it, I couldn't pull myself away from the spell of Auriane, woman warrior, fighting for the survival of her embattled Germanic tribe against the all powerful Roman army. The characters are so richly drawn, I had an immediate sense of our shared humanity, despite the remoteness of their times. I was captivated by the vivid descriptions of these two worlds, sometimes hauntingly beautiful, sometimes disturbingly barbarous, always artfully rendered through Gillespie's exquisite prose. This is definitely a page turner filled with passion, struggle, heroism, and intriguing myth. With this carefully crafted tale Gillespie enters the arena of master storyteller.

A Book to Savor.......2007-05-18

Every possible element of good writing comes alive in this book. Gillespie recreates a lost time with such powerful detail we can feel we're living there with her characters. Those characters are larger than life, just as they should be in an historical novel of epic scope. Who would want to read about Robin Hood if he couldn't shoot an arrow straight?
But best of all is the plot. I don't *think* I read books for plot, but without a plot, no book really succeeds. It's like the skeleton of a human. You don't want to look at someone's hipbones directly, but without them, there are no graceful dancers. Gillespie's plot is as intricate as a 3,000 piece jigsaw puzzle and that's what drew me in and got me so involved with the characters that I was disappointed to see the book end -- and it's not a short book, either.

A Really Bad Soap Opera.......2007-05-17

As a student of ancient art, archaeology, and history, this book was on my "to read" list for a long time. Sadly, I was unable to get past the first 100 pages and I tried, I really did. I have never NOT finished a book. This book is awful and tries to hard, screaming "amateur." I guess I should have judged this one by the cover...

The storyline is rambling and full of tacky feminism/mysticism. The diologue is overdone with an absurd amount of metaphors and similies (bordering on laughable). The characters have no depth, despite insight into their thoughts at every possible moment. Everyone is so dramatic and over-the-top. I felt no emotional attachement and didn't care what happened to any of them. I also took issue with the over-simplified and stereotyped "good, harmonious tribes of the north" v.s the "evil, war-mongering Romans."

However, it must be said that Gillespie did a lot of research to present historic facts in order to re-create the time period. It's just too bad the novel reads like a really bad soap opera script.

Average customer rating:

Nice addition to Crosstime series
Some holes in the plotting
simple repetitive structure in the narrative
strong futuristic alternate history tale
Getting Fun out of Communism

The Gladiator (Crosstime Traffic)
Harry Turtledove
Manufacturer: Tor Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 076531486X
Release Date: 2007-05-29

Book Description

The Soviet Union won the Cold War. The Russians were a little smarter than they were in our own world, and the United States was a little dumber and a lot less resolute. Now, more than a century later, the world's gone Communist, and capitalism is a bad word.

For Gianfranco and his friend Annarita, a couple of teenagers growing up in Milan, life in a heavily regimented, surveillance-rich command economy is just plain dreary. The eventual withering-away of the state doesn't look like it's going to happen anytime soon.

Annarita's a hard-working student and a member of the Young Socialists' League. Gianfranco is a lot less motivated--but on the other hand, his father's a Party apparatchik. The biggest excitement in their lives is a wargame shop called The Gladiator, which runs tournaments, and stocks marvelous complex games you can't find anywhere else.

Then, abruptly, the shop is shut down. Someone's figured out that The Gladiator's games are teaching counterrevolutionary capitalist principles. The Security Police are searching high and low for the shop's proprietors, who've not only vanished into thin air, but have left behind sets of fingerprints that aren't in the records of any government on earth.

Only one staffer is left: Gianfranco and Annarita's friend Eduardo. He's on the run, and he comes to them in secret with an astonishing story: he's a time trader from our own timeline, accidentally left behind when the store was evacuated. The only way Eduardo can get home to his own timeline is if Gianfranco and Annarita can help him reach one of the other time trader sites in this world--and the Security Police will be on their tails all the way there.

Customer Reviews:

Nice addition to Crosstime series.......2007-08-06

Annarita is a star student, excelling in everything from math to Russian. Her neighbor, Gianfranco doesn't have much interest in school--instead he's fascinated by the games in a weird shop called The Gladiator--especially a game about railroads. But when a math problem asks about trains, all of a sudden, Gianfranco starts to understand. Unfortunately for him, the State Police have discovered that The Gladiator is spreading subversive material and the next thing Gianfranco knows, one of the shop's employees is asking for his help.

In a world where the Soviet Union won the cold war, and where Peoples Republics form the basis of every nation, getting into trouble with the State Police is serious--and potentially fatal. The only thing going for Gianfranco and Annarita is that nobody would believe the truth--that Eduardo from the shop actually comes from a different timeline, a timeline where the US won the cold war and then discovered cross-time travel. But with the State Police occupying his shop, his chances of getting back seem to be close to zero.

Author Harry Turtledove continues his Crosstime Traffic series with a look at a world where typewriters and mimeograph machines are registered as dangerous weapons, where saying the wrong thing can lead to a midnight knock on the door, and where the state is doing everything but withering despite having won in its battle against capitalism. With its teenaged protagonists, THE GLADIATOR should appeal to young adult as well as adult SF readers.

As with the other Crosstime Traffic stories, Turtledove creates an interesting and plausible future. While I think the best opportunity for Soviet Communism to win in the west probably took place earlier than the Cuban Missile Crisis (the inflection point in this story), strong Communist parties in Italy, France, and Greece could have resulted in a very different outcome than we experienced in our timeline, isolating the US and gradually making us irrelevant. It's certainly instructive to consider how this could have happened and what would have been the likely result.

THE GLADIATOR has its flaws. The discovery that Annarita's cousin was a criminal should have put Annarita and her father--as well as Gianfranco's family at more risk in a world where secret police have no limits and where correct thinking is essential. And the coincidence of just the right elevator repairmen making the repair and having just the right conversation seemed a bit forced. Then there's Turtledove's frequent use of repetitive phrasing (she wished she could, wished it, but she couldn't) which slows down exposition. It would be a great quirk for a single character but it makes dialogue and interior dialogue seem unnatural when applied to everyone. Still, THE GLADIATOR is an interesting read about an plausible alternate world. It just might also be Turtledove's answer to reviewer accusations that he's some sort of leftist--he certainly didn't make leftists the heroes of this story.

Some holes in the plotting.......2007-07-22

I wanted to like The Gladiator. Unfortunately, while reading it, I kept coming across what at best I'd describe as very improbably plot elements that made it hard for me to take the book seriously.

(An aside: some may wonder how I can consider anything improbable in a sci-fi book about alternate realities but sci-fi works or doesn't work by getting the reader to accept one big improbability and then setting up a world that proceeds logically from that one changed premise).

For instance: the secret police shut down the game shop in Milan; one employee is left behind when the rest escape. He makes contact with the teenage protagonists and talks with one of their parents. By the end of this chat, he's got a cover story and a usable set of false ID. Is false ID really that easily come by in this police state?

A little later, repair people come by to fix the elevator in the apartment, which has been broken for years and years. The teenagers discover that the repairmen are from a company in Rimini- quite a distance away, and (correctly) guess that they must have been others from the alternative world searching for their missing colleague. How did they track him down? Why did they give up the search after fixing the elevator?

There are other similar holes in the plot...

I did read this book through to the end, but it was less fun than it could have been.

simple repetitive structure in the narrative.......2007-06-28

Already the 5th book in this Crosstime series! Turtledove has impressive if not prodigious productivity. Commendable how this book continues the trend of describing a timeline quite different from those in the earlier books. Reading across the series, there is an unpredictability in settings that can be an attraction to some readers.

By the way, here there seems to be a slight reference to Turtledove's first big hit, The Guns of the South. The latter was also about alternate universes. In which the logo of Apple Computer was described. Also done in Gladiator. Turtledove probably put the remarks here, simply because a reader could recognise it, without him having to explicitly name the manufacturer. But maybe he's also reaching out to his earliest fans.

Another person who reviewed this book was spot on, hilariously but accurately, in labelling it "mission creep". An interesting development harking back at policy changes in the parent world.

Unfortunately, the narrative, in the combination of both the spoken dialog and the thoughts attributed to various characters, is often weak. There is a structure often present, usually involving a statement immediately followed by a counterpoint or negation of that statement. If you haven't noticed this, try rereading and parsing carefully. Once you see it, then you see it everywhere. Also true of the author's other works, like his 10 or 12 volume Civil War series. But in this book, the repetitive structure seems especially pronounced. As though he is dumbing down the narrative, for a young audience. Or that he is not putting enough effort into writing interesting prose. It can get stale to read, after you notice.

By contrast, look at Rowling's Harry Potter books. Also ostensibly for a similar audience. However the narrative flow is far more varied and interesting to read. You cannot easily deconstruct her works to detect a simple narrative pattern. Also reflected in the marketplace. Her books outsold any in the earlier Crosstime series books, probably by over an order of magnitude.

Granted, the typical reader of Gladiator probably will not consciously notice the repetitive structures. But unconsciously, this may be subsumed and expressed simply that the book is "ok but not great". And ultimately in sales. A pity, because Turtledove's series is a great idea, that deserves stronger expression. We need a successor to Piper's Paratime, and this series is the closest active approximation.

strong futuristic alternate history tale.......2007-06-12

Over a century ago the Iron Curtain came down as the Soviet Union won the Cold War. As a result of the communist triumph over western capitalism, society is extremely controlled with surveillance everywhere. Though security is tight, as long as one avoids counterrevolutionary activity, a person was safe and secure as most violent crimes have been eliminated. That is except those perpetrated by the state against individuals and since it is government doing the act, it is not a crime.

Whereas the elderly embrace the secure environs just secretly praying to live one more day, the young students are bored having a passion for life. In Milan, Stalinist Italian People's Republic seventeen years old Annarita Crosetti and sixteen years old Gianfranco Mazzilli attend Enver Hoxha Polytechnic. Gianfranco is a terrible student going nowhere while Annarita is a superb pupil with a future as the daughter of a party hack and a member of the Young Socialists' League. They find the Gladiator game shop where they play a complex game Rails Across Europe with enthusiasm. However, shops like the Gladiator are always betrayed from within leading to the security police shutting it down for the capital punishment crime of teaching capitalism although the owner Eduardo escapes. Having been exposed, he has no place to go, but tells his two teen customers that he is a marooned Trader from a crosstime line in which capitalism defeated communism.

The fifth Crosstime Traffic saga (see IN HIGH PLACES) may be the best in a strong futuristic alternate history series. The vivid landscape comes alive through the escapades and capers of the lead teenagers. The story line is fast-paced as Harry Turtledove paints a deep tale of living in the middle to late twenty-first century in a Soviet Republic beyond the Cole War's Iron Curtain. Targeting young adults, older sub-genre fans will want to read this intelligent superb thriller.

Harriet Klausner

Getting Fun out of Communism.......2007-06-04

I liked this book a lot! When I first started reading it, I for some reason thought that it might not be all that good, but that thought was short-lived.

The _Crosstime Traffic_ series is a juvenile (or "young adult," if you prefer)series involving a corporation of that name, which has a means of travelling between alternate timelines. They basically do clandestine import/export between their timeline ("home timeline") and the others ("alternates"). In this novel, you see mission creep setting in; Crosstime Traffic is engaged in subverting the political system in a timeline in which the communists won the Cold War. The story is set in a communist Italy of the late 21st century; I must say that it has a very realistic feel, in that it feels like it's been the 1940s for 150 years (I remember reading an editorial which stated that it was the 1940s in eastern Europe from the 40s until the fall of the Berlin Wall -- it makes sense to me). One of the Crosstime Traffic employees gets trapped there when the secret police close down their business (it sells subversive board games), and has to hide out with some acquaintances of his. The story is told from the point of view of the local characters, not the Crosstime Traffic point of view; it feels almost like Turtledove himself has spent time in a communist police state prior to 1990 or so.

In a previous review, I wondered what it is about Turtledove's writing that I like so much. I've thought about it, and a couple of things occurred to me. One is that his "local color" is always very good. His stories have little details in them that give them that sense of authenticity. Another is that his characters tend to be sympathetic, and seem real as well. His pacing is pretty good, too, so that it's easy to keep turning the pages in one of his stories.

I'd highly recommend this book (as well as the rest of the series) to anyone of any age, even though these books are written as juveniles.

Average customer rating:

Terrific writing, and erotic as well
gory
Way too short!
Erotic beyond Belief!
Historical One-Hander

Slaves of the Empire
Aaron Travis
Manufacturer: Harrington Park Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1560235586

Book Description

The brutality of battle—and the pain and pleasures of being a slave!

Swords clang harshly as the arena crowd goes wild. Magnus, the mightiest gladiator in all of Rome, gives the people what they want—bloodlust and death for their entertainment. He and his mortal enemy, Urius, are the best of the best of the slaves doing battle for the roaring crowds. Magnus is invincible—or is he? A conspiracy of evil unfolds around him, threatening to destroy him in ways he could never imagine. You see, cruel Senator Marcellus has plans for the slave. Plans of pleasure—and of pain. Slaves of the Empire is critically acclaimed author Aaron Travis' classic gladiator epic of slavery, sex, and sadism, reprinted for a new generation of heated readers of gay erotica.

Slaves of the Empire immerses readers in the brutal age of ancient Rome, when the powerful took their sadomasochistic pleasure from the weak, and pain and death awaited every slave, no matter how strong. If you've ever loved the oily gladiator adventures of the past, you are in for a treat. This tale has it all: fine writing, complex characters, and a story of rivalry, power, and torment—and of course, an abundance of steamy gay sex. It is the Roman Empire in all its glory, built with the hot blood, sweat, and tears of the slaves.

An excerpt from Slaves of the Empire:

Before him stood Urius, naked as Magnus had last seen him. His blond mane was golden in the warm candle glow. The planes of his face were perfect and smooth like polished marble after the sculptor's touch. His eyes shone. His broad mouth was curved into a sensuous smile, inviting and almost friendly.

"So, the newest pleasure slave of the great Senator Marcellus is finally awake." Urius smiled more broadly and stepped toward him. He raised his hand and Magnus flinched—but the touch was gentle, beginning at the hollow of his throat and running with oily smoothness down his chest and belly. Magnus strained to move, and could not; his body was bound in the shape of an X, arms and legs extended and held fast in the posture of slaves crucified upon the cross. At Urius' touch, a shudder of apprehension and strange excitement ran through him.

Urius was gazing at his chest. "Oh, Magnus, I have always wanted to see you like this. So naked, so smooth. So ready to be broken upon your master's rod."

Slaves of the Empire is a fast-paced gay erotic novel for anyone looking for a red hot, thrilling fantasy. But be forewarned—this book is not for the faint-hearted.

Customer Reviews:

Terrific writing, and erotic as well.......2007-05-12

"Slaves of the Empire" launched the career of Steven Saylor (writing at this time under the name "Aaron Travis"). It's easy enough to see why: Unlike most erotica, this work is primarily a historical fiction novel first and erotic a distant second. Most erotica writes the sex, and then tacks on, in the most unappealing way, the story and characters. "Slaves of the Empire" does not. These are fully-fledged and portrayed people, acting in character during a time of great social, economic and political upheaval. Saylor/Travis is a stickler for historical accuracy, and it shows here. Thankfully, that historicity doesn't get in the way of the story or sex, as it does in many other historical erotica novels. Intead, Saylor/Travis uses the historical realism to add to the erotic potential of the sex scenes.

Most people will buy this novel because of the sex scenes. In that regard, Saylor/Travis thinks far outside the box. Absent are the typical pornographic BDSM tropes which litter lesser works of erotica. Saylor/Travis is one imaginative BDSM afficionado! His understanding of the dynamics of BDSM sex -- the power relationships, the sexual relationships, the need for proceed slowly (for that alone can be its own torture), the need to structure sexual attention over time (rather than fulfill fantasy in one scene) -- rank far and above those of most BDSM and erotica writers. Coupled with the historicity of the novel, and the reader's growing (and horrible) realization that "this could have really happened", make for some very powerful erotica.

This work has long been recognized as one of the premiere efforts in the genre of BDSM erotica, and any erotica (for the matter). It is a joy to see it back in print. It is a novel no serious student or fan of gay erotica should be without.

gory.......2007-03-30

First of all a word of caution: this short novel is not for everyone and will not suit everybody's tastes: it deals not only with explicit gay sex but also with s/m and sheer, gory violence.

It might therefore be offensive to sensitive and or conservative readers, both gay or not.

Mr Travis takes a rather deep plunge into masochistical sexual relationships.

He seems to know very well that many people, while publicly rejecting submission and violence -even among consenting adults- still may feel compulsively attracted to it and play with this weakness presenting us with extreme violence, rape and blodshedding.

Gay men, being men in the first place, therefore educated to be or at least to try to appear strong and self confident, possibly feel the lure of these topics even more strongly and fiction can be a safe and legal way to indulge in these inclinations, if it is a good prose at least.

Our author, probably aware of all the above, seems scared though about giving in too fully to these topics or was possibly hindred by the original destination of it, gay act magazine.

Be it as it may he is rather prone to withdrawing the figurative offending hand and to superficiality.

It is a pity. Provided a reader is not easily offended by these topics, the conflict of Magnus, the main character, a strong, self sufficient, famous gladiator torn between his pride, sense of personal dignity and his submissive tendencies, between the savage beast within and the decent human being without could have been most interesting if treated with the necessary attention.

This being an erotic novel, this conflict could have been even sexually arising.

The proficient writing demonstrates that it is not lack of skill that prevents this novella from being good or longer, much longer and much more satisfying.

The Roman setting serves the purpose well, the late empire having been after all notorious for its cruelty and debauchery.

Way too short!.......2007-01-26

This was definitely an erotic story. Hot gladiators, and Roman depravity make an exiciting mix. And, as it dealt with slavery, I expected rape. However, I was disappointed that that was all there was. Plus, this was a VERY short book, 109 pages with slightly large type. A novella. This will teach me not to look at the page count. This is not to say novellas can't be worth the money ("Cat Toy" by Ilian Obidian was well worth the $10)

Gladiator Magnus finds himself longing to free twin boys from abusive slavery (and have them himself, of course). Which begs the question what would they do together if they could get free? The reader never finds out. The book's conclusion, while not a screaming cliffhanger, ends just as things could've gotten really hot, not to mention have a storyline.

So, considering how short it is, I would NOT recommend paying $10+ for this. If you can borrow it, or get it used cheap, it was worth a quick read-but not worth buying.

Erotic beyond Belief! .......2006-10-17

This is one of the hottest erotic books I have read! I keep it by my bed for 'special occasions'! Travis can describe his slaves and put them in the most erotic positions it has been my pleasure to read about. His descriptive narrative and dialogue is without equal! He captures the slaves, the feelings, the brutishness of the masters the twists and turns. This surpasses The Initiation of PB 500! If that is possible! It could only be better if I had the more modern photo of the fab-u-lishous torso depicted on the front cover!

Historical One-Hander.......2002-06-12

Aaron Travis writes historical novels about Imperial Rome under his real name, and his love for and knowledge of that period shows in this classic... novel. Within this genre, "Slaves of the Empire" ranks just below John Preston's "Mister Benson", Wiliam Carney's"The Real Thing", and the classic novels of Larry Townsend. Alas the Badboy edition does not have the hot erotic drawings that the original had.

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