Rating: 
Summary: Also, it is humorous.
Review: The other reviewers neglected to tell you that this is a very humorous book. It is a wry humor, because most of it is in first person narrative and you laugh at Justinian's fantastic misfortunes even while he is bearing up under them. There are anecdotes such as Justinian's observations on executioners being very conservative in their professional habits where there remains no alternative but to laugh, the incongruity is so great. Perhaps funniest of all is the later episode of his exile across the Black Sea, where Justinian finds life complicated with no nose. Turtletaub acknowledges the debt to Gore Vidal's Julian, but this book is ten times funnier AND includes Vidal's one humorous indulgence, so definitely get this one.
Rating:
Summary: This book was delightful!
Review: This is a captivating story of a Roman Emperor in the waning years of the Empire. Justinian is a complex, believable Emperor, both admirable and reprehensible. From the accounts of early flame throwers to Justinian's return to Constantinople, a thoroughly engaging read!
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