"the life of the first emperor is an ideal vehicle for a historical novel: Augustus is a figure about whom we know at once a great deal and very little, and hence invites both description and invention". Critics overwhelmingly praised the narrative of Augustus while critiquing the lack of speaking time Williams gives the title character. Overall, most critics praised Williams for forgoing his own personal voice to relay characters that are historical with personalities Williams imagines for himself and his audience. References 1973 American novels American historical novels Fictional depictions of Augustus in literature Epistolary novels National Book Award for Fiction winning works Novels set in ancient Rome Viking Press books