The Flames of Rome

The Flames of Rome
by Paul L. Maier
Kregel Publications
PO Box 2607
Grand Rapids, MI 49501
©1981 445pp Soft Cover
Who likes historical novels? You know, novels that are like history books except they are novels and therefore do not involve homework. Well if you do not like these books go away. For the rest of the readers Paul Maier wrote a book, back in 81, about the Emperor Nero and his relationship with Christians and fire. The book is called The Flames of Rome.
The setting is Rome, naturally. We learn from the back cover, and the book if we read it, that the main character in the story is the mayor of Rome, a Christian convert named Flavius Sabinus. The name Sabinus reminds us of the Sabines, and the Roman conquest of them. Was this man descended from the Sabines, or their conquerors? Will he help the Christians conquer Rome, or will the Roman way conquer him? Is there any relevance to his name at all? Will Nero continue acting like a nutty brat who burns people to light parties? Did you retain anything from all of those Latin classes you took? Read The Flames of Rome and find out!
The book is divided in five smaller books and even has some historical notes at the end. Paul Maier has written several other books on the history of the early church. If you read this review than you should read them as well. After all, what is the point of reading book reviews if you never look into them?