About the Book
An epic work of literary fiction about the superb military leader of
Carthage, Hannibal Barca, and his struggle against the mighty Roman
Republic.
With a vast cast of characters and nationalities,
twists of fate, and tales of inspired leadership, David Anthony Durham
perfectly captures the legendary Hannibal's world in Pride of Carthage. Beginning in ancient Spain, where Hannibal's father had carved out a
Carthaginian empire, the novel traces the origins of the war, the
opening moves, and Hannibal's inspired choice to attack Rome via a land
route most believed impossible. In graphic, panoramic prose, Durham
describes the battles, including the icy slaughter of the Trebia; the
mist-shrouded battle along Lake Trasimene; the battle of Cannae, in
which Hannibal's outnumbered force surrounded and decimated seventy
thousand Romans in a single afternoon; and Zama, the hard slog that
proved to be the decisive contest.
Along the way we meet a variety of major historical figures on both sides of the conflict, as well as characters representing the vast array of other ethnicities who played a part in the war: Iberians and Gauls, Numidians and Libyans, Macedonians and Moors. Hannibal's family is brought to life: his wife, mother, sisters, and young son, as is Publius Scipio, the young Roman who was the only match for Hannibal's genius on the field of battle – and who eventually defeated him.
Pride of Carthage is a stunning achievement in historical fiction, one that will transport readers to a world of mesmerizing authenticity of character, event, and detail.
