Julian: A Novel by Gore Vidal Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of Julian: A Novel
Book Review: What might have been
Summary: 4 Stars
I approached "Julian" as a fan of Gore Vidal's essays and letters and as someone who often wonders how Western culture might have developed differently had it not been for the rise of monotheism in the form of Christianity. Vidal takes us back to one of the pivotal moments in late Roman history when the transition from religious pluralism and tolerance to state-sponsored monotheism was not yet complete. Vidal managed to make compelling and dramatic what might, in other hands, have been a dry and unsatisfying history lesson. I finished the book not only with the sense of loss I expected, but also with a more nuanced understanding of the issues at stake at that moment, again pivotal, in Western history.Book Review: Wonderful book
Summary: 5 Stars
Demonstrates Vidal's genius at research and in portraying complex personal motives. A great book, especially for those interested in Greek and Roman history.Book Review: reviewed this already
Summary: 5 Stars
I have reviewed this already before....I got this for my husband and I cannot review it.Book Review: wonderful perspective on decreasingly pagan Rome
Summary: 4 Stars
This is Vidal's take on Julian the Apostle, in a fictional memoire, who tried to stamp Christianity out of Rome. It is very fun and as far as I can tell, a very accurate reconstruction of the time. What is most interesting is Vidal's take on it, that is, that Christianity would turn out to be the worst thing that ever happened to Western Civilisation and this was the last opportunity to snuff it - rather than as the inevitable positive outcome. That took guts to write, in particular in the 1960s when it was published. His take is simply wonderfully jaundiced.
This is also a good place to learn about Rome and what was going on at the twilight of the Empire, with its power struggles, multiple religions, and decadence. It is all very amusing in Vidal's hands.
Warmly recommended.