Spurius, A Novel 9781836360407 Hardback

It is a perilous time for the Roman Republic. Victory over her nemesis Hannibal in the Second Punic War and the subsequent conquest of Greece have led to widespread debauchery and mayhem on the Italian peninsula. Into the breach steps Spurius Postumius Albinus, Consul of Rome in 186 BC, who turns detective to investigate a series of crimes attributed to the cult of the wine god Bacchus that, he argues, threaten the very heart of the State.Based on events recorded by the Roman historian Livy and confirmed by a surviving bronze plaque in Viennas Kunsthistorisches Museum, Spurius is at once an ancient political whodunit and the first major treatment of a cataclysmic event in Roman history: according to Livy, some 3,500 Romans perished in the witch hunts resulting from Spurius investigation. In its finely balanced examination of freedom of belief and expression, and the manipulation of truth in times of national emergency, the novel has great relevance to todays troubled world.Kulturaliss edition of David Lszl ConhaimsSpuriusgives the novel a striking and luxurious new treatment. Renowned Argentinian-born illustrator Jorge Gonzlezs vivid images – including full-page and double-page illustrations within the text and an arresting slipcase design – brings the graphic events of the novel to life. Based in Madrid, Gonzlez previously illustrated the edition of William GoldingsLord of the Fliespublished by Los Libros del Zorro Rojo and The Folio Societys edition of Carlos Ruz ZafnsThe Shadow of the Wind. Working hand-in-glove with Gonzlez through Maria Cardellis IllustrationZone is award-winning hand-lettering artist Ruth Rowland who has designed album covers for Elton John, Kate Bush and Cliff Richard.