Description
THE MEMORY OF TIBERIUS
Book Summary
A fascinating historical novel that reconstructs the figure of the Roman Emperor Tiberius from an intimate and personal perspective. Pierre Kast, a prestigious historian and film critic, starts from proven facts to imagine how the emperor himself might have seen himself reflected in the mirrors of his villa on Capri. Through the supposed Annals of Thrasyllus, Tiberius's chronicler, the reader gains access to a narrative that balances historical rigor with narrative intuition, offering a renewed and human vision of one of Rome's most controversial rulers.
What is it about?
The work delves into the mind and memory of Emperor Tiberius, the second emperor of Rome, combining verified historical data with the literary recreation of his inner world. Kast uses the writings of Thrasyllus, an astrologer and close advisor to the emperor, as a common thread to explore his years of rule, palace intrigues, family relationships, and voluntary exile on Capri. The novel not only narrates the political and military events of Tiberius's reign but also investigates his psychology, his doubts, his fears, and his complex personality, offering an alternative version to the demonized image that traditional historiography has transmitted.
Main themes
- The power and loneliness of the ruler in Imperial Rome.
- The construction of historical memory and the subjectivity of the narrative.
- The relationship between the emperor and his advisors, especially the figure of Thrasyllus.
- Voluntary exile on Capri as an escape from power and a search for introspection.
- The duality between Tiberius's public image and private life.
Who is it recommended for?
This novel is aimed at readers passionate about the history of Rome, especially those interested in the early Empire period and controversial figures like Tiberius. It will also be attractive to those who enjoy historical narrative that combines documentary rigor with psychological depth, as well as to those looking for a literary and reflective approach to complex historical characters.
What this book offers
- A nuanced and human vision of Emperor Tiberius, far from simplistic stereotypes.
- An immersion into the political and social atmosphere of 1st-century Rome.
- A reflection on how history is built from partial and subjective testimonies.
- The pleasure of a well-documented historical narrative written by a specialist in the field.
Technical data
- Author: Pierre Kast
- Publisher: CARALT EDICIONES
- Language: Spanish
- Collection: FONDO CARALT
- Binding: Hardcover
- Publication date: October 2007
- Number of pages: 284
- Weight: 572 g
Editorial review
A literary proposal that stands out for its original approach: the reconstruction of an emperor's intimate memory through the gaze of his chronicler. Pierre Kast, with his solid historical background, manages to weave a narrative that satisfies both the demanding reader in search of rigor and the one who values psychological depth. The hardcover edition from Caralt Ediciones, within its Fondo Caralt collection, offers a polished presentation that enhances the value of this work for lovers of quality historical novels.