With this test in mind, I have reviewed all novels of Roman life which a most thorough search has brought to light, asking the question: What degree of success do they attain in portraying the life of Rome with realistic effect? This was done in order to obtain from a multitude of novels of different degrees of merit, a standard representing the best and most significant work that has been done in the novel of Roman life. Judged according to this standard, the best and most representative novels of Roman life are those which appear in the following list. I have made this list with the intention of basing upon it my deductions concerning the achievement of English and American authors in the field of the novel of Roman life.
A. IMPORTANT NOVELS OF ROMAN LIFE
Valerius, a Roman Story: John G. Lockhart, (1821)
The Epicurean: Thomas Moore, (1827)
Sathaliel, the Immortal: George Croly, (1829)
The Last Days of Pompeii: Sir E. G. Bulwer-Lytton, (1834)
Zenobia: William Ware, (1836)
Attila: G. P. R. James, (1837)
Probus—later called Aurelian: William Ware, (1838)
Julian, Scenes in Judea: William Ware, (1841)