536. Memoirs of Hadrian by Marguerite Yourcenar- Sometimes a novel is a fine way to approach an historical figure. The author wrote this in French but her friend translated it into English. The English is very impressive. There are numerous times where the prose approaches poetry. Yet it never descends into silliness. The quality of the writing adds so much depth of feeling to her words that greater mileage is derived from fewer words. The Memoirs begin with Hadrian near the end of life passing advice to Marcus Aurelius. Keep in mind that Antoninus Pius followed Hadrian as Emperor. Hadrian managed to extend his influence beyond the grave by arranging to have Pius adopt Marcus and have him succeed upon his, Pius’ death.
Anyway Hadrian looks back on his life with few regrets. His acts of savagery are set in the cultured atmosphere of his times. I am reminded of what I once read in a book by Michael Grant- great men ( I am sure that I paraphrase) by nature are bad men- by this he meant that the very nature of leadership entails the making of what to an ordinary person appear to be harsh or even cruel decisions. He realizes the impact he has had upon the direction of the empire. The author is weak in the area of architecture but in all fairness she had not had the advantage of modern scholarship on the subject which has dramatically changed views on Roman architecture and its place in the history of architecture. Hadrian’s zest for life and the active life come across very well and his desire to bring the empire together so to speak. This is not an easy book to read but well worth the trip. In fact this would be a fine book to read before departure for Rome.
No comments:
Post a Comment