Reading order
| # | Title | Published | Author | Buy on Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | The Secret of the Kingdom | 1959 | Mika Waltari | Buy |
| 2 | The Roman | 1966 | Mika Waltari | Buy |
The Secret of the Kingdom and The Roman form a pair of novels that look at the ancient world from two different vantage points, each concerned with the early decades of Christianity and its encounter with Roman power. Waltari was drawn throughout his career to moments of historical transition, and these two novels examine one of the most consequential shifts in Western history through the eyes of characters who lived inside it without knowing where it would lead.
The Secret of the Kingdom focuses on the world around the time of Christ, while The Roman moves into the empire during the period when Christianity was beginning to spread. Together they offer a picture of belief, doubt, and political power that reflects Waltari’s characteristic interest in individuals navigating forces larger than themselves.