06-18-2009, 12:24 PM
Turledove did explain his rational for what he did with the story. He very definitley used Peter S. Wells as his primary modern source for the Battle itself. He has it happening all in one day. A couple (or more) of the incidents of the battle are pulled out of Wells' account, as well. The ancient sources seem to believe a strong reason for German frustration and rage was Roman impostion of taxes. Varus is otherwise, in this novel, portrayed as very mild mannered, not cruel or arbitrary. That follows Paterculus' characterization of him. Paterculus seems to be Turtledove's primary ancient source; he said he read the others.
I bought it, I'm glad I did. It could have been better written, but again I think haste may have been a factor. I probably used too strong a word when I said "squandered". I could see where Turtledove made use of some of the most recent scholarship on Roman life, mores, etc. How good he was with the German side of things I will have to leave to those who are more knowledgeable.
Turtledove covered three years of Roman occupation. The Three Legions by Gregory Solon, which I first read when I was 13 years old back in the mid 60's, covers a much shorter span of time - essentially the last week of August and the first 10 days of September of the year 9. Even there the battle is maybe 1/3rd of the story, the rest building the characters and the background. It follows Cassius Dio and Tacitus primarily as the anceint sources - with the battle lasting over a three day period.
I bought it, I'm glad I did. It could have been better written, but again I think haste may have been a factor. I probably used too strong a word when I said "squandered". I could see where Turtledove made use of some of the most recent scholarship on Roman life, mores, etc. How good he was with the German side of things I will have to leave to those who are more knowledgeable.
Turtledove covered three years of Roman occupation. The Three Legions by Gregory Solon, which I first read when I was 13 years old back in the mid 60's, covers a much shorter span of time - essentially the last week of August and the first 10 days of September of the year 9. Even there the battle is maybe 1/3rd of the story, the rest building the characters and the background. It follows Cassius Dio and Tacitus primarily as the anceint sources - with the battle lasting over a three day period.
Quinton Johansen
Marcus Quintius Clavus, Optio Secundae Pili Prioris Legionis III Cyrenaicae
Marcus Quintius Clavus, Optio Secundae Pili Prioris Legionis III Cyrenaicae
