xviii, 445 pp. Color frontispiece and plates by David Hughes, maps follow text (redrawn by Reginald Piggott). A historical novel of the Dark Ages in the Mediterranean region. "The sixth century was not a peaceful time for the Roman empire. Invaders threatened on all frontiers, but they grew to respect and fear the name of Belisarius, the Emperor Justinian's greatest general. With this book Robert Graves again demonstrates his command of a vast historical subject, creating a startling and vivid picture of a decadent era." CONTENTS: Introduction the Folio Edition; Foreword to the Original Edition; The Boyhood of Belisarius; The Banquet of Modestus; Megaraean Sphinxes; An Improved Cavalry; War with Persia; The Secret of Silk; The Battle of Daras; The Unnecessary Battle; The Victory Riots; The Expedition Against Carthage; Defeat of the Vandals; Belisarius's Consulship; Trouble in Africa and in Sicily; The Siege of Naples; The Defence of Rome; Retirement of the Goths; A Diadem Refused; A Cold Welcome Home; Victory at Carchemish; Disgrace; In Exile to Italy; Recall and Forgiveness; Three Hundred Veterans; The Last Ingratitude; Maps.
