Augustus

Gen Z don’t read books?

Gen Z: But I’m Gen Z and I read. Books.

Boomer: Glad to hear it. Encouraging. Books are good, they have heft.

Gen Z: Can you suggest a good book?

Boomer: I can suggest one I’m reading at the moment. For me, with my memory, I only recall the book I’m currently on. I can remember the title at least. Augustus.

Gen Z: The Roman emperor? 

Boomer: Exactly. This is a good one. By Allan Massie. Not just a historical account. Gets inside the head of Augustus and interprets his motives and dilemmas. And as the book and his life progress, his losses mount. Like happens to us all.

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Voice-over

Brilliant 1986 account of Augustus’ maneuverings and workarounds to deal with setbacks and blowups, while the spectre and reality of loss close in.