Attila: The Scourge of God

The Scourge of God

Fiction & Literature, Action Suspense, Historical
Cover of the book Attila: The Scourge of God by Ross Laidlaw, Birlinn
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Ross Laidlaw ISBN: 9780857900715
Publisher: Birlinn Publication: August 12, 2011
Imprint: Polygon Language: English
Author: Ross Laidlaw
ISBN: 9780857900715
Publisher: Birlinn
Publication: August 12, 2011
Imprint: Polygon
Language: English

'A tremendous story . . . the incursion into the empire of the strangest and most frightening of the barbarian invaders -- and he tells it with great verve and vigour. His prose has a pace, he has a keen eye for the significant detail, and manages the big scenes confidently' -- Allan Massie, The Scotsman

Early fifth century AD. The Western Roman Empire has been overrun by German tribes. Too weak to expel them, the Imperial government has been forced to grant federate status to the invaders. Aetius, the last of the great Roman generals, becomes the virtual ruler of the West over the heads of a weak and vicious emperor and his ambitious mother. In a series of brilliant campaigns, he takes on the German tribes and forces them to settle peacefully. Meanwhile, his old friend Attila, leader of the Huns, launches a devastating attack on the Eastern Empire, before turning on the West. He is confronted by Aetius, now his bitter enemy. In the epic battle that ensues, the stakes for Attila and Aetius could not be higher as the fates of empires of both Romans and Huns hang in the balance.

This arresting novel deals with the rivalry between two great men whose friendship turns to enmity. Attila becomes corrupted by power, while Aetius is ennobled by it. Ross Laidlaw's masterful portrayal of these two figures is based on his extensive knowledge of the period and is written in a narrative style that vividly evokes the brutality, decadence and desperation of this fascinating time in European history.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

'A tremendous story . . . the incursion into the empire of the strangest and most frightening of the barbarian invaders -- and he tells it with great verve and vigour. His prose has a pace, he has a keen eye for the significant detail, and manages the big scenes confidently' -- Allan Massie, The Scotsman

Early fifth century AD. The Western Roman Empire has been overrun by German tribes. Too weak to expel them, the Imperial government has been forced to grant federate status to the invaders. Aetius, the last of the great Roman generals, becomes the virtual ruler of the West over the heads of a weak and vicious emperor and his ambitious mother. In a series of brilliant campaigns, he takes on the German tribes and forces them to settle peacefully. Meanwhile, his old friend Attila, leader of the Huns, launches a devastating attack on the Eastern Empire, before turning on the West. He is confronted by Aetius, now his bitter enemy. In the epic battle that ensues, the stakes for Attila and Aetius could not be higher as the fates of empires of both Romans and Huns hang in the balance.

This arresting novel deals with the rivalry between two great men whose friendship turns to enmity. Attila becomes corrupted by power, while Aetius is ennobled by it. Ross Laidlaw's masterful portrayal of these two figures is based on his extensive knowledge of the period and is written in a narrative style that vividly evokes the brutality, decadence and desperation of this fascinating time in European history.

More books from Birlinn

Cover of the book The Pocket Guide to Whisky by Ross Laidlaw
Cover of the book The Borders by Ross Laidlaw
Cover of the book Salmond: Against the Odds by Ross Laidlaw
Cover of the book The Final Curtsey: A Royal Memoir by the Queen's Cousin by Ross Laidlaw
Cover of the book Escape to Ikaria by Ross Laidlaw
Cover of the book Tales from the Tent by Ross Laidlaw
Cover of the book Friend & Foe by Ross Laidlaw
Cover of the book Whiskies Galore by Ross Laidlaw
Cover of the book Wild Voices by Ross Laidlaw
Cover of the book St Kilda: A People's History by Ross Laidlaw
Cover of the book The Vikings and All That by Ross Laidlaw
Cover of the book Stone of Destiny by Ross Laidlaw
Cover of the book Southern Comfort by Ross Laidlaw
Cover of the book Willie Gavin, Crofter Man by Ross Laidlaw
Cover of the book Tears for a Tinker by Ross Laidlaw
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy