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Under Another Sky: Journeys in Roman Britain

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'Under Another Sky: Journeys in Roman Britain' by Charlotte Higgins is a captivating blend of travel narrative, Roman history exploration, and literary musings. The book follows Higgins and her boyfriend as they traverse Roman Britain's sites, delving into the history, artifacts, and people connected to this ancient era. Higgins weaves together stories of eccentric antiquarians, reflections on the impact of Roman presence on Britain's towns and countryside, and personal experiences of visiting monumental sites like Hadrian's Wall and various castles. Her prose is described as clever, clear, and natural, creating a compelling narrative that combines erudition and enthusiasm on every page.

The book also delves into the cultural and historical significance of Britain's Roman past, reflecting on how the Romans shaped the country's architecture, culture, and history. Higgins' exploration is not just a geographical journey but a deep dive into the lasting legacy of Roman influence on Britain, sparking a sense of discovery and enthusiasm for this often overlooked part of British history. Through her engaging writing style and meticulous research, Higgins brings to life the complexities and richness of Roman Britain, making the reader eager to explore the sites and stories she uncovers.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is characterized by clever, clear, and natural prose that conveys the author's enthusiasm for the subject.

Plot/Storyline:

The narrative weaves together the author's journeys through various Roman sites across Britain, blending personal reflections with historical exploration.

Setting:

The setting encompasses numerous Roman sites throughout Britain, contrasting historical ruins with contemporary landscapes.

Pacing:

The pacing fluctuates, balancing deep historical reflection with engaging personal experiences.
Finis erat orbis ora Gallici litoris, nisi Brittania insula non qualibet amplitudine nomen paene orbis alterius mereretur. (The shore of Gaul was the end of the world, unless the island of Britain, by...

Notes:

The Romans conquered large areas between Ireland and Iran at different times.
Charlotte Higgins, a journalist, explores Roman sites in Britain in her book.
She focuses on places like London, Bath, Silchester, Wroxeter, Roman Scotland, Kent, and Essex.
The book includes personal reflections on the role of tourism in preserving rural economies.
Higgins connects past historical figures to present-day personalities, including her own boyfriend.
She discusses the sad history of Arthur's O on a Roman temple that was destroyed in 1743.
The Vindolanda tablets feature some of the first known Latin written by a Roman woman, Claudia Severa.
The tablets reveal personal and affectionate messages between women in ancient Rome.
Higgins discovers that Roman influences are still evident in many British towns and cities today.
She highlights the enduring remnants of Roman architecture and infrastructure throughout the UK.
The book mixes travel narrative with historical reflections and anecdotes about antiquarians.
Higgins walks both Hadrian's Wall and the Antonine Wall during her journey.
Her writing style is noted for being clever, clear, and engaging, making history accessible.
The book serves as both a travel guide and a meditation on Britain's Roman past.
Higgins' enthusiasm for Roman history is described as infectious, encouraging readers to explore these sites.

From The Publisher:

Shortlisted for the 2013 Samuel Johnson Prize, the Thwaites Wainwright Prize and the 2014 Dolman Travel Book Award

This is a book about the encounter with Roman Britain: about what the idea of 'Roman Britain' has meant to those who came after Britain's 400-year stint as province of Rome - from the medieval mythographer-historian Geoffrey of Monmouth to Edward Elgar and W.H. Auden. What does Roman Britain mean to us now? How were its physical remains rediscovered and made sense of? How has it been reimagined, in story and song and verse?

Charlotte Higgins has traced these tales by setting out to discover the remains of Roman Britain for herself, sometimes on foot, sometimes in a splendid, though not particularly reliable, VW camper van. Via accounts of some of Britain's most intriguing, and often unjustly overlooked ancient monuments, Under Another Sky invites us to see the British landscape, and British history, in an entirely fresh way: as indelibly marked by how the Romans first imagined, and wrote, these strange and exotic islands, perched on the edge of the known world, into existence.

 
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