McCullough's sixth book, The First Man in Rome, is the author's first foray into historical fiction, and her extensive historical research is evident throughout the text. In some passages, this information is seamlessly and unobtrusively woven into the narrative. At other times, however, the historical facts are disembodied from the fictional flow. The vast amount of Roman history and culture which permeates the novel is regarded by some reviewers as a strength, by others as a liability.

As in her previous works, McCullough employs a straightforward narrative structure and prose style. Her gift for description and detail create finely drawn portraits of Roman life, politics, landscape, and military operations.

Whether maneuvering the reader through the labyrinthine streets of the Subura or sweeping overland with the Roman legions on the march, McCullough's descriptive and narrative power draw the reader into the scene.

McCullough's skillful use of descriptive language and...