Ancient Rome in the English novel: a study in English historical fiction

by Randolph Faries

"Ancient Rome in the English Novel: A Study in English Historical Fiction" by Randolph Faries is a scholarly thesis written in the early 20th century. This academic work explores the representation and development of ancient Rome within English historical novels, tracing their origins and significance. Faries aims to provide a clearer definition of what constitutes a "classic" novel while distinguishing between genuine literary merit and superficial works that merely reference classical themes or characters. The opening of the thesis outlines Faries' intention to analyze how ancient Rome has been utilized as a backdrop in the English historical novel, emphasizing both the importance of rigorous scholarship in these narratives and the thematic richness they convey. He notes the limited but significant number of novels set in pre-Imperial versus Imperial Rome, leading to discussions on their illustrative merits and the varied influences on these works. Specific novels and authors are mentioned as exemplars of quality literature portraying Roman life, indicating a selective historical narrative that honors the depth of cultural heritage intertwined with the evolution of storytelling throughout the English literary tradition.