Julian

Gore Vidal

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'Julian' by Gore Vidal is a historical novel that delves into the life of Roman Emperor Julian the Apostate, who attempted to restore the worship of the old gods and rebuke Christianity. The book provides a sympathetic yet critical portrayal of Julian, highlighting his struggles with ambition, philosophy, and religious beliefs. Through a narrative framed as Julian's memoirs with commentary from his associates, the novel explores themes of politics, religion, and personal ambition in the context of the fourth-century Roman Empire.

Vidal's writing style in 'Julian' is praised for its ability to transport readers back in time to ancient Rome, immersing them in the political intrigue and tensions of the era without overwhelming detail. The book offers a unique perspective on Roman history, presenting Julian as a complex character who grapples with philosophical ideals, religious conflicts, and the challenges of leadership. Overall, 'Julian' is lauded for its engaging storytelling, vivid depiction of historical events, and thought-provoking exploration of themes relevant to both past and present societies.

Characters:

Characters are well-developed, with Julian presented as a multifaceted individual often in conflict between his ideals and the realities of his position, surrounded by critical thinkers and politically driven individuals.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is characterized by a first-person narrative interspersed with dialogues from historical figures, showcasing Vidal's mastery of historical fiction through engaging and witty language.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot centers on Julian's efforts to combat the rise of Christianity, depicting his political maneuvers and personal struggles as he attempts to revive paganism in the Roman Empire.

Setting:

The setting captures the late Roman Empire's transition period, illustrating the social and religious upheaval as Christianity established its dominance.

Pacing:

The pacing is gradual at first, allowing for character and context establishment, then accelerates during conflict-filled climax moments, maintaining reader engagement.

I was non-committal. Nowadays, one never knows who is a secret agent. Also, I was not particularly surprised at the news. When Theodosius fell ill last winter and the bishops arrived like vultures to ...

Notes:

Gore Vidal's novel 'Julian' was first published in 1964.

Julian was the last pagan emperor of Rome, ruling from 361 to 363 CE.

The story is told from Julian's perspective in the form of an unfinished autobiography.

Julian attempted to revive Hellenism and stop the spread of Christianity.

He was the nephew of Constantine the Great and faced numerous plots from relatives, including his cousin Constantius.

The novel employs a unique narrative structure with commentary from philosophers Libanius and Priscus.

Julian was raised in a strict Christian environment but converted to paganism around 351 CE.

Vidal portrays Christianity in a critical light, highlighting its contradictions and the hypocrisy of its followers.

Julian engaged in military campaigns across the Roman Empire, from the Rhine to the Tigris, despite having no previous military experience.

Vidal's writing is noted for its wit and sophisticated examination of historical events.

Gibbon, a historian, described Julian as an 'extraordinary man' dedicating nearly three full chapters to him in 'Decline and Fall.'

Julian died at the young age of 32 after a brief but eventful reign.

He was a prolific writer in Greek and crafted significant works, such as 'Against the Galileans.'

Vidal's portrayal of Julian blends fact and fiction, offering a provocative interpretation of history.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings may include themes of religious persecution, debates around belief systems, and political machinations, which might be distressing to some readers.

From The Publisher:

The remarkable bestseller about the fourth-century Roman emperor who famously tried to halt the spread of Christianity, Julian is widely regarded as one of Gore Vidal's finest historical novels.

Julian the Apostate, nephew of Constantine the Great, was one of the brightest yet briefest lights in the history of the Roman Empire. A military genius on the level of Julius Caesar and Alexander the Great, a graceful and persuasive essayist, and a philosopher devoted to worshipping the gods of Hellenism, he became embroiled in a fierce intellectual war with Christianity that provoked his murder at the age of thirty-two, only four years into his brilliantly humane and compassionate reign. A marvelously imaginative and insightful novel of classical antiquity, Julian captures the religious and political ferment of a desperate age and restores with blazing wit and vigor the legacy of an impassioned ruler.

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About the Author:

Gore Vidal (1925-2012) was born at the United States Military Academy at West Point. His first novel, Williwaw, written when he was 19 years old and serving in the army, appeared in the spring of 1946. He wrote 23 novels, five plays,…

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