A masterpiece of breathtaking scope—a brilliantly conceived epic novel that traces the entire turbulent course of English history This ebook edition features a new introduction by the author in honor of the thirtieth anniversary of Sarum. This rich tapestry weaves a compelling saga of five families—the Wilsons, the Masons, the family of Porteus, the Shockleys, and the Godfreys—who reflect the … Shockleys, and the Godfreys—who reflect the changing character of Britain. As their fates and fortunes intertwine over the course of the centuries, their greater destinies offer a fascinating glimpse into the future. An absorbing historical chronicle, Sarum is a keen tale of struggle and adventure, a profound human drama, and a magnificent work of sheer storytelling.
Praise for Sarum
“Bursts with action, encyclopedic in historic detail . . . supremely well crafted and a delight to read.”—Chicago Tribune
“A fascinating journey . . . a clear yet sparkling window upon history with a superb narrative, so perfectly balanced between history and fiction that it clears away the mists of time from antiquity, giving the reader the impression that events over a span of ten centuries occurred only yesterday.”—Fort Worth Star-Telegram
“Strong . . . appealing . . . I haven’t read so satisfactory a saga in years . . . in fact, perhaps not ever before. . . . It gives you not only history but comfort.”—Chicago Sun-Times
“[Edward] Rutherfurd holds us all consistently intrigued. In Sarum he has created a splendid novel that will bring many hours of diversified reading pleasure.”—The Plain Dealer
“A richly imagined vision of history, written with genuine delight.”—San Francisco Chronicle
“Rutherfurd is at his best. . . . His storytelling skills are substantial. . . . One of the best books of the season.”—Kansas City Star
“Absorbing . . . a superior historical novel . . . This blockbuster saga should appeal to discriminating readers, since Rutherfurd has an excellent grasp of his subject and a compelling story to tell.”—Publishers Weekly
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A James Mitchner style of book but leaving out how the earth was created (refreshing). It’s a very powerful book of the history of the U.K. from ice age to the time if monarchies. It includes hunters and gathers to ship trading, the Druids and Crlts, time if the Roman and Viking invasion, etc. the author builds all stories around a group of …
One of my favorite Rutherfurd volumes. Have read it several times over that past 20 years.
Sarum is a history of a whole are of Britain from prehistoric to the 1980s. It is filled with fully rounded characters with fictional families meshed with historical figures. A goo long read you can really sink you brain into, actually learning while being engrossed in a great story.
This is my all.time favorite book. When I first read it long ago, I was too busy to read it through, but the time divisions and family chart let me dip n and out, making it last longer.
The first book I read by Rutherfurd. He is a master at historical fiction. I love the way he weaves the characters and their descendents throughout the stories. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed all of his books. I think The Forest is my favorite.
At times a interesting read, at other just a slog through history. Would list as a fair but not outstanding read.
History with historical fiction thrown in to make it more palatable.
Edward Rutherford brings history to life. Brilliantly researched and fascinating reading. I couldn’t put it down. Highly recommend it.
Rutherford has taken the subject of History and made you want to read about it. This was his first outing. He fuses history around wonderful fictional characters that would have (believably) lived during those times. Learn about Stone Henge, etc… Read this and become a fan. Enjoy.
Any history buff will enjoy this story of the Salisbury plain that starts is prehistory and comes forward into the 20th century. I loved it!
What can I say? It’s long. Really long. But still interesting.
If you’re unfamiliar with Rutherford’s work, he takes a city and creates a novel built from what are basically novellas about that city throughout various time periods. Starting from pre-historic times up to modern times, some of the stories are interesting and you feel invested with …
One of my favorite books. Stonehenge and Salisbury plain come alive through the ages. This book brings that area of the West Country of England to life with all it’s charm and beauty.
Great story about the building of the English cathedral at Salisbury. It is long but held my interest.
1059 pages
5 stars
This book takes the reader on an epic journey beginning with the wanderings of a Neolithic Ice Age family to what is now Southern England in the 1980’s. It is a very ambitious undertaking, and a lengthy one at that.
While the book bogs down in places, it’s somewhat understandable when one realizes the sheer scope of what Mr. …
Love this author he brings history alive through its characters!
Excellant historical fiction. Very well written.PS: I’ve read all of Mr. Rutherfurds books.
The author makes you feel like you were right there with the characters!
An extremely rich history about the origins and development of England. Rutherford scrupulously researches his work, and while the book is long, it is very readable.
I don’t really like historical novels but after reading this one I’ve read all if Rutherford’s historical novels. Good brain food. This is what reading is : brain food.
I learned a great deal about the history of England, the people and the Catholic Church there. It is an intriguing read.