Scipio Africanus: The Man Who Defeated Hannibal

Rating:
Summary: A potentially great book which isn't what it could have been
Review: Having read Hannibal, I was extremely keen to see what went into the sequel. I have to say that the first third or so of Scipio is very good. His chatacterisation of Hannibal was excellent, and that of Scipio arguably even better. The use of Bostar as narrator serves very admirably to provide continuity with Hannibal. Having said that, the novel starts to trail off after Scipio's early military experiences. It's not Leckie's historical accuracy that bothers me - it isn't spot on to say the least but then neither is Graves in I, Claudius so you can't hold that against him. The problem seems to be that Leckie is so keen to make this novel different from Hannibal (rather than just portray the same events from the other side's viewpoint)that he skates over the campaigns in Spain and that leading up to Zama with startling diregard. I felt a little cheated by this, I have to say. Leckie is of the "Scipio was Hannibal's greatest pupil" school which is all very well but firstly some of us don't agree with that and secondly, those who are less familiar with the period should be allowed to draw their own conclusions - this novel won't give them that chance. Leckie's characterisations are terrifc though - including that of the supporting cast; I loved Fabius and was pleased to see an author portray Cato as the ill-mannered, puritanical oaf he undoubtedly was. If you liked Hannibal then read this, just be aware that it doesn't maintain the standard of the first section.

Rating:
Summary: what a good read
Review: Its not as good as Hannibal, but Ross Leckie has made a very interesting account of almost the same events he described in the first novel, but from the other side, the Romans. It was a lot of fun reading the detailed reactions of the romans as Hannibal dealt them blow after blow, and to follow the adventures of Bostar, from the original novel, it made a good link. All in all, if you read the first one, u cannot miss Scipio.

Rating:
Summary: Good Book about a great Leader/Aristocrat...
Review: Publius Cornelius Scipio vs Hannnibal Barca("Grace of Ba'al Lightning")is subject of Ross Leckie's two epic novels concerning the Punic Wars: the House of Scipio defending the Roman Republic against the "House of the White Scorpion". Many readers apparently found HANNIBAL more engaging and informed effort.I disagree on grounds not only was Scipio a greater Field General, but his contribution to diplomacy--clemency to defeated enemies; concept of Just Peace; enfranchisement as allies of former opponents--manifest him as model of heroic dimension. Ross'SCIPIO is unique military commander and aristocratic statesmen...worthy of study and emulation.

Classics(Polybius & Livy)provide accounts of the slaughter of Roman forces by Hannibal culminating at Cannae August 2,216 BC; to the rallying of SPQR under Scipio, and decisive defeat of Hannibal and his brother at Zama in 202. B.H.Liddell Hart's study of Scipio and his campaigns is considered modern classic. Most recently Victor Davis Hanson's vivid dissection of The Battle of Cannae(ex:CARNAGE and CULTURE;chapter 4-"Citizen Soldiers")again describes the convex bubble-line formation/tactic of Hannibal that led to encirclement and annihilation of 13-15 Legions(70,000 soldiers)in one day.

In SCIPIO, Ross Leckie "humanizes" an icon into a story of a boy trained to lead and fight for Rome. Most of the book concerns his education: in The Classics;in the art and mechanics of war;and the psychology of leadership. Unlike HANNIBAL,however,his purpose is not merely vengeance or glory. Leckie employs many Greek and Latin formulations in rendering his odyssey of the savior of the Roman Republic."COMMUNITAS"is a word,I believe,he doesn't use but examines Scipio's healing and rekindling of Roman VIRtue.In this story of indivdual and national heroism(spiritual foundations of a great people are summoned to renewal)the nature of education; honor;excellence(arete/virtue)and self-sacrificial courage are dramatized. Stupidity;avarice;and envy are also explored. There are numerous characters in the tale but Scipio; his family; his tutor, Bostar; and his bisexual friend Laelius are focal. HANNIBAL,of course,looms as Rome's most formidable enemy.The "New Man CATO,perhaps ironically, is Scipio's arch-rival and enemy. Characterizations in the novel are good to excellent. They are multi-dimensional and...as Nietzsche phrased it..."human; all too human." How historically exact? Quien sabe? There is Liddell Hart to refer to. Even people who(justly)laud Colleen McCullogh admit she "favors" some characters (JULIUS CAESAR,for example)over others,or history. SCIPIO has several heroes; male and female, as well as its villains(ENRON greed is nothing new). Those who dislike this book I believe are being unfair. Maybe they DO know more about Roman History and The Punic Wars.[Rome in 146 BC,after listening to Cato rant for decades, "Carthego delicto est: 'Carthage must be destroyed!'" razed the city; plowed the ground;and sowed the earth with salt.]But the heart of a hero is what author Ross Leckie is writing about in SCIPIO.It's a grand subject about a singularly great leader. In my estimate Ross has succeeded in writing a very good book.(4 & 1/2 stars)