I am visiting Rome soon and would love to be reading a book that is set in the city. I have recently finished The Marriage Portrait which is set in other parts of Italy. A book with a similar tone would be ideal; or books that are alike with The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue, The Secret History, Babel by R.F. Kuang or any sort of fantasy or romance book with a historical Rome setting. Very willing to try other genres but preferably nothing in a modern setting (21st century). Any help appreciated!
by electric-fizz
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I, Claudius and Claudius the God, by Robert Graves. Historical fiction about Emperor Augustus and his bloodline through Emperor Claudius. Full of salacious but plausible stories.
SPQR: A History of Ancient Rome, by Mary Beard. The best modern one volume history of Rome.
The Agony and the Ecstasy, by Irving Stone. Only partially set in Renaissance Rome, but it’s the story of Michelangelo, who spent much of his life in Rome painting the Sistine Chapel, carving famous sculptures, and designing the dome of St. Peter’s Cathedral.
The History of Rome, by Theodor Mommsen. A 19th century multivolume epic history of the Roman Republic. Although it’s out of date as pure history, it’s a great story wonderfully told and sheds light on how an influential 19th century German scholar and politician viewed ancient Rome as a lesson for modern times.
The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire, by Edward Gibbon. An 18th century multivolume epic history of the decline and fall of the Roman Empire. Again, out of date as pure history, but a great story wonderfully told that sheds light on how an influential 18th century British scholar viewed ancient Rome as a lesson for modern times.
It’s interesting to compare and contrast Gibbon and Mommsen and the lessons they drew. Both influenced how others in their respective countries viewed the lessons of history, and they drew very different conclusions.