One of the most famous works of historical fiction, written in 1834 when the author, Lord Lytton was at the height of his prolific life. Taking the story beyond the writings of Horace, Pliny the Younger and others of the time, Lytton captures the essence of life at the time and builds in intensity as the disaster of Vesuvius in 79 A. D. approaches and engulfs the lives of the characters. A quality work of dramatic and vibrant intensity!