About The Book

A riveting historical fiction, told as memoir, by one of the greatest and fiercest military leaders in recorded history–Hannibal, the man born and bred to lead the Carthaginian army, reveals the psychological underpinnings of a great military strategist and driven leader.

“A battle is like lust. The frenzy passes. Consequence remains.” Such are the observations made and ill-gotten lessons learned in this fictional autobiographical narrative of breathtaking range and power. Ross Leckie not only presents a vivid re-creation of the great struggle of the Punic wars and the profoundly bloody battle for Rome, but succeeds in bringing the almost mythical figure of Hannibal to life. Introspective, educated on the Greeks, Hannibal has never been presented quite like this.

A tragic chronicle of love and hate, heroism and cruelty, Hannibal is a dramatic and ultimately nourishing exploration of the inner life and epic consequences of one of humanity’s greatest adventurers and most bloodthirsty leaders.

Praise

“A lusty, full-throttle portrait, stunningly depicted.” –The New York Times

“This is a ripping good read whose lesson in ancient history is yet another reward.” –Publishers Weekly

“Exploring the ambiguity of motive in people and politics, Leckie has created a highly contemporary novel making what might be seen as a series of dusty dates relevant to our modern lives. Leckie’s knowledge of the period is profound, and his maneuvering of that history effortless, as he solders fact and fiction to create a novel with real historical depth.” –The Times (London)

“A tremendous novel in the class of I, Claudius . . . a work of enduring value.” –Allan Massie