Roma Eterna

Amazing book with a very interesting hypothesis, that the Roman Empire resisted the 3rd century crisis because Christianity never appeared. It is a collection of short stories that analyze different moments of the new history of the world, from the discovery of the New Rome(America) to the Second Republic( rise of nationalism in 18th and 19th centuries), written by a master of the genre.The price is a bit high but, it is hardback and the book in general is very well made.I heartily recommend it to any history passionate and Silverberg fan.

Pro: Characterization was ok (Silverberg writes manic quite well), with one notable exception.Characters did tend to be interesting.Dialogue was good.Con: Poor understanding of military dynamics, tactics and strategy (probably why he avoided most of the book before detailing any combat)Plot does have it's moments but is generally thin.Technology is barely addressed other than the odd reference without changing much. Technology, it's influence and ability to drive social change is consistently underestimated which compounds the next point.The attempt to conquer the New World was unsatisfying. Many blunders that were not mentioned made me believe it was short sightedness of the author, and not of the characters. The entire premise is silly that the might of the Roman military machine (which in 1200 ad is the same as it was in our world in 100 ad) was stopped by a single Viking, his obsequious Maians and the longbow.Again (a few) cultural changes are referenced but never shown and the Rome at the end of the story is very much the same as the Rome at the start.Rome is admitted in the story to be a logical, progressive nation. It was their fall and the rise of Christian hegemony which crippled science and understanding for centuries with the dark and middle ages both directly and indirectly. Silverberg proposes in his eternal Rome that it all turns out the same anyway.In the last story, the 19th century Britons still dress, look and act the same as the ancient Britons of our own time, (otherwise interesting and well done).Conclusion: The last point was the entire book in a microcosm. Nothing changed. Apart from a few references to technology, the abysmal blunders of the aborted attempt to conquer the New World and the last story itself it could have been set all in the ancient Rome of our real world. It barely qualifies as alternate history and while the characters and writing were good enough to keep me reading, it was just barely at that. Mostly it just annoyed me that the setting was so thoroughly mixed up only to turn out the same.

Book arrived very quickly in great shape. Wonderful seller. Book is profoundly, tediously boring.

I was disappointed. I have enjoyed all Silverburg's writing..going back muchas anos (I'm a'gettin' old). But, this one is too formulistic. It is fascinating and well written; but the premises are only loosley explained, loosley followed, and with all the possible emporers and their fauning courtiers and henchmen... loosely explained. There's plenty to think about... including some new (to me) twists and viewing of the new world and all its "glory." But greatness... no, I'm sorry Mr. Silverburg... Majipoor, among others is MUCH better (and don't even mention some of the other REAL grand masters - Like Aurthur Clarke/Heinlein/Asimov from years ago....the past was much better written (and more interesting)!!!! Don't try again. Just let young'ns having fun with their ideas (many of which are great) -- and have their day(s)!!!

An interesting 10 short stories of the continuation of the Roman Empire not collapsing. I enjoyed how the author was able to blend a Realistic Rome into historical incidents that happened centuries later. His characters have a variety of personalities developed in a short story format. Not the greatest SF but a pleasant alternative history to read for a few hours.

This is my first book from Silverberg. His name pops up in the science book The Beginning of Infinity by David Deutch in a topic about parallel universes.I was intrigue. Silverberg tells the history of the Roman Empire in stand-alone chapters that echoes historical events: Mahomet, the discoveries of the Americas, the Civil War between the West and the East, the Black Terror, etc.A good read if you know you Roman History, with strong characters written in a fast style.

What if the Roman Empire had lasted until the current time? What if Christianity had died still-born? What if Mohammed had died before founding Islam? Read this book and discover Robert Silverberg's creative answers to these questions. A very entertaining read.

For those that aren't into Roman noir novels or Roman history, you will probably not like this book. But if your into it, you will love it. Subtle, believable and great forecasting. It is what you would expect from Robert Silverberg. His depth of knowledge about history and humanity is baffling. Great book.

Disappointed. There's a lot of repetition here. Similar story structure each time. An observer, the Emperor, or similar, a great change in society. The changes reflect World history, except it's done by the Romans rather than the Spanish, the French, the Israelis... The final story is a little different, but even less convincing. I was introduced to 50 characters, and can remember none of them.

Really interesting stories and a lovely intro into a new type of alternative universe fiction i had never considered. I would read more from this author :)

I liked the the way the book was constructed and the small details in each story that indicated historical continuity. Some of the stories were bit weak particularly those dealing with the New World (North/ Central America) but all round a good read

Great book. item as described and prompt delivery.

Diese Geschichte behandelt die Geschichte des alten Roms, das niemals untergegangen ist, in Geschichten, die jeweils ein Kapitel andauern und jeweils in einer anderen Zeit spielen. Sehr gelungen finde ich die Darstellung fremder Kulturen, beispielsweise den Feldzug gegen die Mayas oder die Begegnung einer Griechin mit einem Römer. Allerdings hat ein Senator den Namen eines berüchtigten Inquisitors und handelt auch so - und das letzte Kapitel mit dem Auszug der Israeliten aus Ägypten scheint mir recht aus dem Zusammenhang gerissen.