Pompeii A Novel
Pompeii A Novel by Robert Harris is a historical fiction piece published by Random House Large Print in 2003, featuring 479 pages in English. Set against the backdrop of Ancient Rome, the narrative unfolds during the last days of summer on the Bay of Naples, where the affluent citizens of the Roman Empire enjoy their luxurious lifestyles. The story centers on Marius Primus, an engineer tasked with overseeing the Aqua Augusta aqueduct, which supplies water to numerous towns. As he confronts failing springs and the mysterious disappearance of his predecessor, Marius embarks on a journey toward Mount Vesuvius, promising to resolve the crisis before disaster strikes.
Readers will find a detailed portrayal of one of history’s most notable natural disasters, as the novel delves into the challenges faced by Marius and the implications of his work on the aqueduct. The narrative intertwines elements of suspense and thriller, highlighting the tension between human endeavor and natural forces. Through the perspectives of an engineer and a scientist, Pompeii offers a unique lens on the Roman world, exploring themes of duty and the unpredictability of nature. This edition, presented in large print, enhances accessibility for readers.
Official synopsis Publisher
Ancient Rome is the setting for the superb new novel from Robert Harris, author of the number one bestsellers Fatherland, Enigma and Archangel.
Where else to enjoy the last days of summer than on the beautiful Bay of Naples. All along the coast, the Roman Empire’s richest citizens are relaxing in their luxurious villas. The world’s largest navy lies peacefully at anchor in Misenum. The tourists are spending their money in the seaside resorts of Baiae, Herculaneum and Pompeii.
Only one man is worried. The engineer Marius Primus has just taken charge of the Aqua Augusta, the enormous aqueduct that brings fresh water to a quarter of a million people in nine towns around the Bay. Springs are failing for the first time in generations. His predecessor has disappeared. And now there is a crisis on the Augusta’s sixty-mile main line — somewhere to the north of Pompeii, on the slopes of Mount Vesuvius. Marius — decent, practical, incorruptible — promises Pliny, the famous scholar who commands the navy, that he can repair the aqueduct before the reservoir runs dry. But as he heads out towards Vesuvius he is about to discover there are forces that even the world’s only superpower can’t control.
Pompeii recreates in spellbinding detail one of the most famous natural disasters of all time. And by focusing on the characters of an engineer and a scientist, it offers an entirely original perspective on the Roman world.
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