Augustus (Williams novel)
First edition
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| Author | John Williams |
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| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Publisher | Viking Press |
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Publication date
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1972 |
| Media type | |
| Pages | 305 |
| ISBN | |
| OCLC | 513805 |
| 813/.5/4 | |
| LC Class | PZ3.W6744 Au PS3545.I5286 |
Augustus is an epistolary, historical fiction by John Williams published by Viking Press in 1972. It tells the story of Augustus, emperor of Rome, from his youth through old age.[1] The book is divided into two parts, the beginning chronicling his rise to power, the latter describing his rule thereafter, and the familial problems faced choosing a successor. Williams and Augustus shared the 1973 U.S. National Book Award for Fiction with John Barth and Chimera, the first time the award was split, and the only of William's four novels to receive significant acclaim within his lifetime.
Born Gaius Octavius Thurinus, the young future-emperor was adopted by his great-uncle, Julius Caesar, after demonstrating promising wit and skill. After his great-uncle's assassination, Augustus (at this time known as Gaius Julius Caesar Octavianus) took vengeance upon Caesar's murderers, and through tactical political moves, became one of Rome's three “Triumvirs" alongside Marc Antony and Marcus Aemilius Lepidus. After defeating the other two triumvirs, and obtaining sole power over the Roman State, Augustus (known as "Imperator" Caesar Divi Filius), began taking measures to secure and increase his power. As a result, Augustus gave orders to exterminate Cleopatra's teenage son, allegedly commenting that, "too many Caesars is no good thing." (As it was the common belief that her son was of Julius Caesar's bloodline.) In light of such orders, Cleopatra and Marc Antony—lovers at the time—committed suicide.
The later part of the novel focuses more on Augustus' rule. It details his official renaming by the Roman Senate (augustus: one to be revered), his contention with and banishment of his daughter, Julia for her various extra-marital affairs, as well as closes with a final note from (the fictional) Augustus himself.
The major theme Augustus addresses is the ability of circumstances to change the personality and behavior of a person. The conditions that surrounded Augustus' rise to power plagued Ancient Rome with violence and contention, which led to Augustus working hard to implement a time of peace and cooperation in Rome, commonly referred to as the Pax Romana or the Pax Augusta. Other themes Williams writes on in his novel include coming of age and the difference between restraint and resignation.
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