{"product_id":"imperium-book-one-by-robert-harris-2058n","title":"Imperium (Book One) by Robert Harris","description":"\u003cp\u003eFrom the bestselling author of Pompeii comes the first volume in an exciting new trilogy set in ancient Rome - an imaginary biography of Cicero, Rome's first and greatest politician.  Of all the great figures of Roman times, none was more fascinating or attractive than Marcus Cicero. A brilliant lawyer and orator, a famous wit and philosopher, he launched himself at the age of twenty-seven into the violent, treacherous world of Roman politics. Cicero was determined to attain imperium, the supreme power in the state. Beside him at all times in his struggle to reach the top - the office of Consul - was his confidential secretary, Tiro. An accomplished man, Tiro was the inventor of shorthand and the author of numerous books, including a famous life of Cicero, unfortunately lost in the Dark Ages.  In Imperium, Robert Harris recreates Tiro's vanished masterpiece, recounting in vivid detail the story of Cicero's rise to power, from radical young lawyer to first citizen of Rome, competing with men such as Pompey, Caesar, Crassus and Cato.   Harris's Cicero is an immensely sympathetic figure. In his introduction to this imaginary memoir, Taro states: Cicero was unique in the history of the Roman republic in that he pursued supreme power with no resources to help him apart from his own talent... All he had was his voice, and by sheer effort of will, he turned it into the most famous voice in the world.  From the Hardcover edition.  Editorial Reviews  Review Masterful. -Sunday Times  Harris's best so far, rapid and compelling in narrative, copious in detail, thoroughly researched but also, which is more important, thoroughly imagined.... Irresistible. Allan Massie,  -Sunday Telegraph  In Harris's hands, the great game becomes a beautiful one. -The Times  Harris deploys the devices of the thriller writer to trace the perils and triumphs of Cicero's ascent.... A finely accomplished recreation of the power struggles of more than two millenniums ago.  -Observer  Praise for Pompeii:  Blazingly exciting... Harris, as Vesuvius explodes, gives full vent to his genius for thrilling narrative... suffocating suspense and searing action. -Sunday Times  As explosive as Etna, as addictive as a thriller, as satisfying as great history. -Daily Telegraph  About the Author Robert Harris is the author of four novels - Fatherland, Enigma, Archangel and Pompeii- all of which were number one bestsellers. His work has been translated into thirty-one languages. He was born in Nottingham in 1957 and is a graduate of Cambridge University. He worked as a reporter and in 2003 he was named Columnist of the Year in the British Press Awards. He lives near Hungerford in Berkshire with his wife and their four children.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Book Express","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":41852127150154,"sku":"2058n","price":9.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0618\/9101\/8826\/files\/2058n.jpg?v=1764534346","url":"https:\/\/www.bookexpress.nz\/products\/imperium-book-one-by-robert-harris-2058n","provider":"Book Express","version":"1.0","type":"link"}