The October Horse: a marvellously epic sweeping historical novel full of political intrigue, romance, drama and war

(Paperback)

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Rome, 48BC. Scene of one of the greatest political battles - and one of the most passionate love affairs - of all time. Julius Caesar is in the prime of his life and at the height of his powers. But behind the myth lies a man beset with contradictions. Happily married, he is also the lover of the enigmatic Egyptian queen, Cleopatra. A great general, he wishes to bring to an end Rome's endless wars. Conscious of his own power, and contemptuous of lesser men, he is determined not to be worshipped as a living god or crowned emperor. But Caesar is a man whose very greatness attracts envy and jealousy to a dangerous degree, and as the political intrigues which surround him reach their climax, his destruction becomes inevitable. As the Ides of March approach, one of the most powerful stories in history reaches its dramatic conclusion...

Reviews

McCullough's expert command of the historical facts from a broad range of ancient and contemporary sources makes this the kind of novel that tests and expands even an expert's knowledge of Roman history -- James Hawking * Historical Novels Review *
This is a marvellous, sweeping story with all the familiar characters - Cleopatra, Mark Antony, Brutus et al - which brings the periods vividly alive, and retells a vital period in world history in a splendidly accessible way * Books Magazine *
[A] swiftly moving story ... packed full of political intrigue, romance, drama, and war * Booklist *

Author Bio

Colleen McCullough was born in Australia. A neurophysiologist, she established the department of neurophysiology at the Royal North Shore Hospital in Sydney, then worked as a researcher and teacher at Yale Medical School for ten years. Her writing career began with the publication of Tim, followed by The Thorn Birds, a record-breaking international bestseller. The author of over ten other novels, including the acclaimed 'Masters of Rome' series, Dr McCullough also wrote lyrics for musical theatre. Until her death in 2015 she lived on Norfolk Island in the Pacific with her husband.