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Beowulf is one of the more, if not the most, familiar names in English literature. Translations of this Anglo-Saxon epic poem are available but not inviting. Here now is Seamus Heaney with a very readable translation that will keep you interested. The story theme and characteristics have been copied many times over, in fiction and science fiction, both in print and film. This is the real story of the Scandinavian prince who subdued both the horrible monster Grendel, and it's equally blood thirsty mother when she attempted to avenge her son's death. A brave defender of all that is good and destroyer of evil, Beowulf rules his country for fifty years and dies in combat with his third monster in the land of the banished. Much can be learned about the way of life in a distant time from this wonderfully preserved work of ancient poetry.

Reviewed by David K., Plaza Midwood Branch

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The first in a series, Roman Blood, introduces Gordianus the Finder, private investigator of ancient Rome. Cicero is about to defend Sextus Rocious against a charge of patricide and needs Gordianus’s help. As he looks for the facts in the case Gordianus must wind his way through a miasma of greed, deceit, and murder. From the decadence of the ruling elite to the hopelessness of the poor, Saylor brings the ancient world to life with all its sights, sounds, and smells. A fictional telling of an actual case, Roman Blood is a fascinating mix of scholarship and storytelling, and a mighty fun read to boot.

Reviewed by Mark B., Main Library

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Excellent series for historical mystery book lovers. I have enjoyed all of these and the many non-fiction books they have lead me to read.
-Kim, Charlotte, NC

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Queen Hatchepsut’s twenty year rule during Egypt’s Eighteenth Dynasty has been overlooked through most of history. Her reign was filled with many achievements: successful trade, exploration missions, and architectural advances. In an effort to obliterate the female pharaoh’s memory from history, Hatchepsut’s successors usurped her accomplishments and destroyed many of her monuments. Joyce Tyldesley uses archaeological and historical evidence to reconstruct Hatchepsut’s life and reign - giving us a better understanding of Egypt’s first and only female pharaoh. This biography is meticulously researched and well written and sheds light on one of history’s great leaders who has been all but forgotten until now.

Reviewed by Shay W., Hickory Grove Branch

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Orphaned and lost during an earthquake, 5-year-old Ayla is rescued and raised by the Cave Bear clan, a small group of Ice Age Neanderthals. Because she is "different," one of the "others," Ayla meets with great opposition from many superstitious clan members. She is loved by the medicine woman who teaches her the secret herbal healing lore of the clan. Ayla, who is Cro-magnon, lacks the genetic memory that the clan members depend on, but she alone is able to cope with harrowing situations by using logic and abstract reasoning. This gripping story of Ayla's coming of age is a fascinating study of a time beyond most of our imaginings.

Reviewed by Sue G., Davidson Branch

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You know those ancient Chinese paintings that, while mostly blank, are so striking? Well, here they are in poetic form. These poems, mostly from poets of the T’ang and Sung Dynasties, convey in only a few lines the beauty, power and depth of not only nature, but of China’s Taoist and Buddhist philosophies. Hinton gives brief biographical sketches of the poets included, and some scholarly discourse as to their importance, but the poems themselves are never lost in the academics. In today’s world, when concern for the environment grows ever more critical, these poems, beautiful in their own right, can serve as a reminder of the fact that we are part of nature, not just observers of that realm.

Reviewed by Mark B., Main Library

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The best book I've read this year is Beyond Belief by Elaine Pagels. It is an amazing look at the early history of the Christian Church. It is the book to read after you have read The Da Vinci Code. Beyond Belief looks at how the Bible came to be, and why. It is an important and profound book by an outstanding scholar.

Reviewed by Bill W., WSOC-TV News Anchor, Charlotte, NC

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In the draught plagued summer of 79 AD Marcus Attilius has just been appointed the new Aquarius (head engineer) of the Aqua Augusta. His first job is to find out why Rome’s mightiest aqueduct has left some cities dry and poisoned the fishponds of Herculaneum. Of course other problems lurk as well, like what happened to his predecessor and does Pliny the Elder have any information that may be of use? Marcus soon finds himself climbing along Mt. Vesuvius trying to isolate and fix the problem. Along the way he meets many, few that want to help the new Aquarius in his endeavors. Harris weaves facts and fiction seamlessly in this gripping tale of love, loss and water.

Reviewed by Gina D., Myers Park Branch

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Reading this book in the summer of 2008 made me really want to go to the exhibit of artifacts from Pompeii currently in Charlotte!
-Tom, Charlotte

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Using Jesus's own words, Garry Wills tackles topics such as power, wealth, religious practices, and the crucifiction. Wills, a history and language scholar, asserts that the teachings of Jesus have been watered down or completely misinterpreted to suit the desires of his followers, particularly church and political leaders. Wills follows a rough chronology of Jesus's life, from the announcement of his impending birth to the resurrection, using references from the gospels to explain what he sees as the "heavenly reign" Jesus brought. He believes that claims of faith-based politics or a perfect church are forms of idolatry. In this very readable and personal book, Wills' contention is that Jesus did not found a church or advocate any political system, but his radical teachings demand both justice and love of his followers.

Reviewed by Dale C., South County Regional

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It is rare to find a work of historical fiction that’s so meticulously researched, such a true vision into a long ago past, and even rarer to find one that focuses on the Norse culture, as Judith Lindbergh’s debut novel. She offers a glimpse into the fringes – both in geography and gender – of Norse society in Greenland, circa 1000 CE. Focusing on the lives of three women: the wisewoman Thorbjorg, her slave Katla, and Katla’s daughter, Bibrau, as they are caught up in the tumult of settling a new land and dealing with the insurgent Christian faith. The story weaves through the intertwined lives and destinies of each woman, producing a supremely satisfying epic of a brutal, isolated landscape and the people who live there.

Reviewed by Lesley W., South County Regional

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The Battle of Thermopylae is one of history’s most famous battles. The dramatic story of King Leonidas’ 300 Spartan guards facing off against Emperor Xerxes’ massive Persian army has inspired a bold presentation by writer/artist Frank Miller. As the Greeks march, the stories of how Leonidas became king and why he comes to be facing the Persians with his personal guard rather than a full army are told, revealing much about the key players. Then there is the battle itself – presented as an epic clash between great leaders, as well as the new Greek ideal of human freedom versus the old feudal ways – brave, violent, bloody, and glorious. Miller’s bold images are presented in oversize form, with each of the original double-page spreads presented as a single large page.

Reviewed by Mark S., University City Regional

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The name of Pontius Pilate will forever be known but that of his wife Claudia is seldom mentioned. Born of noble birth during the reign of Emperor Tiberius, she was a woman of rank, passion and unbelievable ability. From a young age she dreamt premonitions and found unconventional ways to seek out her desires in life through the Goddess of Isis. However nothing could have prepared her for the events that would change the world when the lives of her husband, Jesus and her friend Miriam of Magdala collide. Written with the opulence and violence of ancient Rome, Pilate’s Wife is a journey into a world of the past and story often told through the eyes of an unknown woman.

Reviewed by Courtney A., South County Regional

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The army is the army is the army, and war has always been hell. Simon Scarrow succeeds in bringing the army of ancient Rome to life and still displays the timelessness of military matters. Macro has always been a good soldier and he is rewarded with a promotion to centurion in Rome’s Second Legion just in time to take part in the invasion of the land of the Britons. Along with his optio, Cato, Macro also has to discover who is selling out the Romans to the Britons. This tale of war and political intrigue is bound to please those with a taste for history and excitement.

Reviewed by Mark B., Main Library

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T.H. White’s masterpiece is far more than a complete retelling of the story of King Arthur and Camelot. White incorporates contemporary references and keen philosophical insight into the great legend, providing a vivid portrait of medieval England. The incredibly well rounded novel not only tells the legend, it also comments on British culture and its origins, sharing fascinating historical details about medieval England. White also muses on the nature of man and King Arthur’s struggle to create an ideal society, all without losing his narrative pace. A must read for any fans of the Arthur legend or British history.

Reviewed by Meri H., Main Library

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Saylor comes through again with a magnificently detailed novel that brings the past to life. By following the lines of two families through the ages this novel gives us Rome before it was even a city. First there was just a path along the Tiber use for the salt trade. Then there was a village that evolves into Roma, or Rome as we call it. As we know, Rome became much more than just a city, it became the greatest empire this planet has yet seen. Saylor’s character may be fictitious, but the history here is real, and you can almost sense its heart beating as you turn the pages.

Reviewed by Mark B., Main Library

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