You Are History

Perhaps, an introduction to my new book is not strictly necessary: those who feel like reading it will do so. Yet, I would like to say a few words first.

Although the main story takes place in Ancient Rome, it is by no means a historical fiction. (Even though I made use of several historical figures - Caligula, his sisters, a few senators and … well, Caligula’s horse - the rest of personages, such as the three time travellers, for example – are products of my imagination).

By choosing a historical setting for a fantastic novel, I wished to try out an idea of mine – a conception of ‘vulgar history,’ - which, in a plain language, means a story full of anachronisms. I have no idea if the ancient world would have felt drastically different from the one I am familiar with; all I wanted to achieve was to picture the past as a humorous antithesis to the huge bulk of already written historical fictions with the Imperial Rome as their main topic.

I know (or rather suspect, for there is no historical proof way or the other) that pizza parlors, hostels, private investigators, coffee houses and rebellious street youth did not exist back then. I am also well aware that ‘lictors’ were not a police force, although it is possible that Caligula could have indulged himself in getting high on unnamed ‘substances’ (his famous dilated pupils, tendency to hallucinate and to behave erratically are the historical facts).

Therefore, I limited my true historical references to only two books: Svetonius Tranquillus’ ‘Live of 12 Caesars’ and Petronius Arbitrus’ ‘Satiricon’ (I borrowed some details from the latter).

Finally, I would like to present my apologies:

To those, who might find some scenes and innuendos unduly racy – after all, I cannot be hold responsible for the morals and attitudes of the decaying Imperial Rome.

To those, who will find my writing somewhat ‘unbaked’ – yes, I realize that my book needs thorough cleaning by a professional editor but… such an opportunity is still out of my reach.

And to those, who might get confused by the author’s double name. Dale Radwin is my pen name (now I have blown it!). It is just I did not see much sense to put my book on Ovi under an alias’ name.

I will greatly appreciate all responses, including even the harshest critique! And…thanks!