Threshold of Fire: A Novel of Fifth Century RomeAllison & Busby, 1997 - 255 pagina's Initially published in The Netherlands in 1964, Haasse's ( In the Dark Wood Wandering ) pensive novel of the clash between Christian and pagan cultures in A.D. 414 is a far cry from the likes of Lloyd C. Douglas or Lew Wallace. For one thing, it's the pagan Romans following the faith of their forefathers who are persecuted in accordance with the edicts of Theodosius, while Christians exploit their new authority. There are despicable and admirable representatives of both cults; the only two truly honorable characters are an Egyptian Jew and his illegitimate half-slave grandson. After an Alexandrian education, this grandson returns to Rome, from where he had been exiled after one of the political shifts of the late Empire, to become the poet Claudian, an historical figure often considered the last classical Roman writer. His unlawful presence in Rome brings him into conflict with the Christian Prefect Hadrian. Although the real Claudian is sometimes claimed by Christians, Haasse's creation eschews established religion in favor of humanism. It is Claudian's character and his "faith" that forms the core of a book both less dogmatic and wiser than many which concern this period. -- Publisher's Weekly |
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Pagina 179
... Serena as his own daughter and therefore on her husband as his son . It was claimed later that Stilicho had cleverly exploited a private conversation with the dying Emperor to have himself named guardian to Theodosius's two sons ...
... Serena as his own daughter and therefore on her husband as his son . It was claimed later that Stilicho had cleverly exploited a private conversation with the dying Emperor to have himself named guardian to Theodosius's two sons ...
Pagina 184
... Serena reading or playing the zither , leaning back in her chair amidst flowering oleanders , the asymmetrical folds of her gown - in crocus yellow and violet - flowing from shoulder to hip , from knee to foot ; with cameos at her ...
... Serena reading or playing the zither , leaning back in her chair amidst flowering oleanders , the asymmetrical folds of her gown - in crocus yellow and violet - flowing from shoulder to hip , from knee to foot ; with cameos at her ...
Pagina 185
... Serena was forgiven in advance . Then there was the affair of the Magna Mater . Did I plant that outrageous notion in Serena's head ? Once , half in jest , half from a desire to flatter her , I said she was the only woman on earth ...
... Serena was forgiven in advance . Then there was the affair of the Magna Mater . Did I plant that outrageous notion in Serena's head ? Once , half in jest , half from a desire to flatter her , I said she was the only woman on earth ...
Overige edities - Alles bekijken
Threshold of Fire: A Novel of Fifth-Century Rome Hella S. Haasse,Anita Miller,Nini Blinstrub Gedeeltelijke weergave - 2005 |
Threshold of Fire: A Novel of Fifth-Century Rome Hella S. Haasse,Anita Miller,Nini Blinstrub Gedeeltelijke weergave - 2005 |
Veelvoorkomende woorden en zinsdelen
accused Alexandria Arcadius asked Aulus Fronto Balcho barbarians become believe bishops blood calls himself Niliacus Christian City Claudius Claudianus cock court crowd darkness death dream dwarf Egyptian Eliezar Emperor Honorius Emperor Theodosius Empire entry everything eyes face feeling Flavius Stilicho Forum of Trajan friends galleries gesture goddess gods Goths Hadrian hand head hold honor Honorius's interrogation justice hall Klafthi knew later light living longer look Magister Militum magistrate Mallius marble Marcus Anicius Rufus memory Milan mime move Munera never Nile officials Olybrius Olympiodorus once pagan palanquin past perhaps person poet praetorian guard Prefect prefecture prisoner Pylades Roman Rome Rufinus sacrifice secret Serena shoulder silent slave someone standing statue stink stood Subura tablinum temple Theodosius things thought THRESHOLD OF FIRE tion turn Urbanilla villa voice waiting wall words