An Imperial Possession

Jan 1, 2025 10:43 AM

Author:David Mattingly

Part of the Penguin History of Britain series, An Imperial Possession is the first major narrative history of Roman Britain for a generation. David Mattingly draws on a wealth of new findings and knowledge to cut through the myths and misunderstandings that so commonly surround our beliefs about this period. From the rebellious chiefs and druids who led native British resistance, to the experiences of the Roman military leaders in this remote, dangerous outpost of Europe, this book explores the reality of life in occupied Britain within the context of the shifting fortunes of the Roman Empire.

Reviews

Books of the Year

—— Philip Ziegler , Spectator

Scurr has an important tale to tell, and she tells it judiciously

—— Lucy Hughes-Hallett , Sunday Times

Ruth Scurr's aim, in this well written first book, is to provide an accessible, up - to date biography that draws on all this work, and represents Robespierre as a human being rather than as a monster of legend. She succeeds impressively

—— Munro Price , Sunday Telegraph

This splendidly balanced account of an unbalanced mind proves that there are monsters of virtue as well as monsters of vice

—— Graham Robb , Daily Telegraph

It is judicious, balanced, and admirably clear at every point....It is quite the calmest and least abusive history of the Revolution you will ever read

—— Hilary Mantel , London Review of Books

Engaging and insightful biography... Scurr writes with sensitivity and clarity about this paradoxical individual

—— Scotland on Sunday

Ruth Scurr takes on one of the most enigmatic of historical figures in this thoroughly researched, well-written biography

—— Robin Buss , Independent on Sunday

Scurr brilliantly evokes the sheer speed and intensity of change after the fall of the Bastille

—— Rebecca Abrams , Guardian

Fascinating, chilling meditation on good intentions twisted into evil deeds

—— Independent on Sunday

This is a biography that will stimulate all those interested in the subject of state terror

—— Antonia Fraser , The Times

Fascinating

—— David V Barrett , Independent

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