The Donation of Constantine: A Novel - Softcover

LeVay, Simon

Softcover

ISBN 10: 147013215X ISBN 13: 9781470132156

Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform, 2013

Synopsis

In the middle of the eighth century, the decaying city of Rome lies defenseless against the advance of the warmongering Lombards. The new Pope, Stephen II, appeals for help from the Eastern Emperor, but none arrives. In desperation, the Pope's younger brother and an English nun conspire to change the course of history—at the risk of their own souls. Based on real people and actual events, this is a story of intrigue, passion, war, and the struggle for control of medieval Europe.

About this title

About the Author

Simon LeVay is a neuroscientist and writer. Born in Oxford, England, he was educated at Cambridge University and the University of Göttingen, Germany, and has served on the faculties of Harvard Medical School and the Salk Institute for Biological Studies. He is best-known for his research and writings on the biological basis of sexual orientation. LeVay is the author of 11 previous books, including the New York Times bestseller, 'When Science Goes Wrong'. The Donation of Constantine is his second novel. He lives in West Hollywood, California.

Review

A surprisingly thrill-filled story about the intense political and personal dramas that gave rise to the creation of the Donation. ... LeVay invests all this with great energy and historical precision, and the result is a fascinating novel of religion's very real-world wheelings and dealings.  Historical Novel Society, May 2014.

An intriguing look at eighth-century Rome and the complexities of historical truth. With Aistulf, King of the Lombards, poised to overrun Rome, Paul, the brother of Pope Stephen II, and Leoba, a nun, concoct a desperate scheme to forge a letter from Emperor Constantine I giving the Pope temporal power over the West. LeVay presents an intriguing view of the clash between social necessity and individual faith that successfully evokes a world with concerns familiar to modern-day readers.  (Publishers Weekly, 2/17/14 -- Starred Review)

The Donation of Constantine is a gripping, suspenseful and intricate tale. For readers who love history and historical fiction, especially how the inner workings of the Catholic church affected the landscape of Europe during the medieval era, I would highly recommend this book. - The Windy City Times, 5/7/14

"This is a ripping yarn, and LeVay's skill in moving between apparently unrelated stories that finally interweave keeps the reader turning the pages. He is good at capturing atmosphere, whether it's a freezing winter journey or the claustrophobic world of the papal court. It is also a highly intelligent novel that requires a great deal of background knowledge to understand it properly. LeVay gives us this through the dialogue, without being patronizing or stilted." Fiona Hook, Church Times March 27, 2015

About this edition

• Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform
• Publication date: 2013
• ISBN 10: 147013215X
• ISBN 13: 9781470132156
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 434