The Dream of Rome by Boris Johnson
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Blurb
Focuses on how the Romans made Europe work as a homogeneous civilisation and provides a look at why we are failing to make the EU work in modern times.
Review
The thing I like about Johnson’s writing is how accessible he makes the topics he writes about. The history of the Roman Empire is brought to life by Johnson. I also love how he shows what European leaders of the past have appropriated certain symbols and ideas from the Roman Empire in an attempt to recreate its success and greatness. Obviously with adding his usual comic twist.
This book packs a lot of historical data but it is engagingly presented with some very thought provoking analysis. You don’t get bogged down with all the facts and quite often find yourself having a little chuckle. The book mainly focuses on the mechanics of the Roman Empire and how the various control systems were instituted by Augustus.
However towards the end of the book Boris focuses on how he believes the fall of the Roman Empire happened with the fall of Constantinople. This is where he approaches the historically troublesome relationship between Christian Europe and Islamic Turkey. I will be honest I found this a very brave move by Johnson. There are not many people who would openly suggest that Islamic culture is not as rich as its Western counterpart.
I really enjoyed this book and found it interesting, funny and incredibly brave at times. I also enjoyed the glimpses into Johnson’s life. I give this book 4 out of 5 Dragons.
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About the author
Boris Johnson is a British politician in the Conservative Party and the former Prime Minister of United Kingdom as well as the former Mayor of London. Due to his public school, blustering, comedic style, he is generally either loved or loathed by members of the British public.
Lady Book Dragon 