Imperium

The new novel from Robert Harris imaginatively recreates the life of Marcus Cicero, the brilliant orator, philosopher and lawyer who launched himself at the age of 27 into the violent and treacherous world of Roman politics. Harris portrays him as an immensely sympathetic figure: an outsider, ambitious and vulnerable, intelligent, compassionate and devious - the world's first professional politician. Can "Imperium" follow "Pompeii"'s success as top selling hardback fiction title of the Autumn? With Harris's track record, it wouldn't be a surprise.