In her magnificent novel Marguerite Yourcenor recreates the life & death of one of the great rulers of the ancient world. The Emperor Hadrian aware his demise is imminent writes a long valedictory letter to Marcus Aurelius his future successor. The Emperor meditates on his past describing his accession military triumphs love of poetry & music & the philosophy that informed his powerful & far-flung rule. A work of superbly detailed research & sustained empathy Memoirs of Hadrian" captures the living spirit of the Emperor & of Ancient Rome."