11-17-2015, 05:58 PM
I would urge you to read it, Adrian. If in nothing else, it throws a lot of bath water around with the odd baby also.
Seriously, though, I haven't read such an extreme revisionist reading of Julian and it is quite stimulating to see a writer reintrepret source material in a consistent and plausible counter-narrative. While I suspect the truth is not so black and white, I know that when I read Ammianus again, Syvanne's interpretation will whisper in the background. Also, his evaluation of Constantius II is one sorely needed - although again he may be stretching it too far . . .
Seriously, though, I haven't read such an extreme revisionist reading of Julian and it is quite stimulating to see a writer reintrepret source material in a consistent and plausible counter-narrative. While I suspect the truth is not so black and white, I know that when I read Ammianus again, Syvanne's interpretation will whisper in the background. Also, his evaluation of Constantius II is one sorely needed - although again he may be stretching it too far . . .
Francis Hagan
The Barcarii
The Barcarii
