Conn Iggledon

[Captain Turnip]

Anyone read any of his books? He is famous for writing the "Emperor" series of books (Fiction based on the life of Julius Caesar and his friends), and the "Conqueror" series of books (similar style, about Temujin/Genghis Kahn and his conquests).
I loved the Emperor series, very good. All the books convered actualy events in history, such as "The Slave Revolt under Spartacus", "The Cataline Conspiricy", the "Civil Wars between Marius and Sulla, and between Caesar and Pompey" - excellent stuff

Anyone read them?

[Tonyblack]

I read the first one in the Emperor series and though it was ok. I was told to try Simon Scarrow instead and found his books much more interesting. Still, I've got a couple of Iggledon books around here in my 'to read' pile and I'll get around to reading them one day.

Too many books - too little time.

[Captain Turnip]

I read the first one in the Emperor series and though it was ok. I was told to try Simon Scarrow instead and found his books much more interesting. Still, I've got a couple of Iggledon books around here in my 'to read' pile and I'll get around to reading them one day.

Too many books - too little time.

Simon Scarrow? Another fave author - He did the "Eagle" series of books, during the Roman Invasion of Britain in 43AD - Like the Iggledon books, based on history, but fictionalised, and starred "Vespasian", future Emperor. I liked it too, still haven't read the eighth book in the series, "Centurion" - but I think the Iggledon books wre a bit more believable - the Scarrow books had a little too much modern day swearing in it, but still a good read.

Speaking of "Too much to read, too little time", I really need to get round to reading a series of books by "Colin Dexter", about the life of "Inspector Morse", which was given to me as a present, by a certain female member of this forum (you know who you are ). And I promise I will, promise (hand on heart and everything )

Anyway, Conn Iggledon and Simon Scarrow are good authors. I like their books because I love history

[Tonyblack]

My problem with Igguldon comes from the Historical based site I admn - Hookton.com. We have a guy ther who is something of an expert on all things Roman (and lots of other things too) and he thinks the history in the Emperor series ranges from dodgy to down right wrong.

[Captain Turnip]

My problem with Igguldon comes from the Historical based site I admn - Hookton.com. We have a guy ther who is something of an expert on all things Roman (and lots of other things too) and he thinks the history in the Emperor series ranges from dodgy to down right wrong.

At the end of each book, Conn Iggledon acknowledges that though his books are based on History, they are still fiction (there is a reason why fiction is called fiction - because it IS fiction ). And Conn Iggledon acknowledges that to make his stories work, he changes facts around. At least he is aware of this, and makes it known. He has done his research I'm sure

[Albert_Spangler]

I've not read any of the Emporer series, but I have read the Conqueror series and found it amazing. The books inspired me to go to China and Mongolia and try to learn more about Genghis. I thoroughly enjoyed them.

[Sjoerd3000]

I've read the first book in the Emperor series and pretty much hated it. The history in the book is completely wrong. He changed all the facts only the names are correct The civil war between Marius and Sulla was much more interesting then he describes it

[Tonyblack]

I have to say that I wasn't impressed with the first 'Emperor' book. Certainly not enough to get the second one.

[Sjoerd3000]

I gave it away to a friend. I would have given him money just to take the book from me

[Lady Vetinari]

I am reading Wolf of the Plains slowly ... The Genghis Khan story - and I like his style!

In fiction it is hard to be historically accurate as sometimes facts can get in the way of a good story... I try and research my story and idea's I've had for years and had to turn them on their head due to research. Whilst I am trying to be realistic I also want to convey that this IS fiction - so I whilst I agree that stories set in the past should have some accuracy I also think that if you want the historical truth ... read FACT not fiction! And my research only goes so far as 70 or so years ... let alone thousands of years in the past ... So I'll have to defend Conn here.

[theoldlibrarian]

I read Iggledon's "Bones Of The Hills" and thought it was a great book. I find Genghis a really interesting man and the book was well written. I also read centurion by Scarrow and didn't think much of it, but then I was never very interested in Roman History and I studied Classics!

[Sjoerd3000]

I am reading Wolf of the Plains slowly ... The Genghis Khan story - and I like his style!

In fiction it is hard to be historically accurate as sometimes facts can get in the way of a good story... I try and research my story and idea's I've had for years and had to turn them on their head due to research. Whilst I am trying to be realistic I also want to convey that this IS fiction - so I whilst I agree that stories set in the past should have some accuracy I also think that if you want the historical truth ... read FACT not fiction! And my research only goes so far as 70 or so years ... let alone thousands of years in the past ... So I'll have to defend Conn here.

I agree that historical fiction doesn't need to be 100% accurate but it would be nice if it is at least a bit realistic. And Conn is 0% accurate (well ok he had most of the names (not all though ) right so let's say 1% )

I always have been interested in Roman history so I suppose that's why I can't stand Conn's totally wrong emperor series

[theoldlibrarian]

I am reading Wolf of the Plains slowly ... The Genghis Khan story - and I like his style!

In fiction it is hard to be historically accurate as sometimes facts can get in the way of a good story... I try and research my story and idea's I've had for years and had to turn them on their head due to research. Whilst I am trying to be realistic I also want to convey that this IS fiction - so I whilst I agree that stories set in the past should have some accuracy I also think that if you want the historical truth ... read FACT not fiction! And my research only goes so far as 70 or so years ... let alone thousands of years in the past ... So I'll have to defend Conn here.

I agree that historical fiction doesn't need to be 100% accurate but it would be nice if it is at least a bit realistic. And Conn is 0% accurate (well ok he had most of the names (not all though ) right so let's say 1% )

I always have been interested in Roman history so I suppose that's why I can't stand Conn's totally wrong emperor series

If you want historical accuracy you don't got to Iggledon but he does give a very good outline of the topics he covers. 1% is a very mean thing to say

[Sjoerd3000]

Sorry I didn't mean to offend

[theoldlibrarian]

Tis Grand, neither did I reading back on the comment