I write books about the great Roman emperors
Anyone hunting for clues to the inspiration behind the bestselling novels of Robert Harris need not look far. Nestled amid the floor-to-ceiling shelves in his spacious, cigar-scented study at home in Berkshire – packed to the brim with histories and political biographies – is a large bust of the emperor Julius Caesar. On his nearby desk is a life-sized replica of the only extant sculpture of the Roman general Agrippa, titular hero of his latest historical blockbuster. Harris has spent many hours staring at the bust – “the face of someone you would not want to cross,” as he describes it – and pondering the motivations of the commoner who rose to glory 2,000 years ago as right-hand man to Caesar’s adoptive son Augustus.
Robert Harris draws parallels between the politics of Ancient Rome and contemporary political culture, finding inspiration for his novels in historical figures and events. His latest novel focuses on Agrippa, right-hand man to Augustus, highlighting how historical fiction can explore the inner lives of figures about whom little is known. Harris believes Rome provides the original model for understanding power and politics, offering insights relevant to today’s world.
- Robert Harris’s latest novel, “Agrippa,” is inspired by the Roman general who served as right-hand man to Augustus.
- Harris finds parallels between ancient Roman politics and modern political culture, seeing Rome as the original model for understanding power.
- He uses historical fiction to explore the inner lives of figures and fill in the gaps in historical records, drawing on his extensive research.
- Harris’s work has successfully transitioned from WWII and Cold War settings to Ancient Rome, finding a receptive audience.
- The author observes that political systems can erode and that strong leaders can emerge, drawing comparisons to figures like Donald Trump and Elon Musk.
- Harris reflects on contemporary political events, such as leadership changes in the Labour party, drawing analogies to Roman political machinations, though noting modern politics is thankfully not lethal.
- He emphasizes that politics is partly performance art, citing Augustus’s carefully crafted public image as an example.
https://uk.layer3.press/articles/f7898ff5-d8a6-4162-99dc-7a8e4a3bc904
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