We sit down with author Alex Gough to learn more about his latest historical fiction series on Mark Antony which spans four volumes and takes a look at Antony’s career and follows him all the way through to his demise. Historical fiction provides a way into the ancient world that marries together research and fills in the gaps in order to bring the past vividly to life.
We explore the research that sits behind the series and consider how the negative source tradition influenced how key figures in the late Republic get represented in a story that focuses on Antony’s perspective (hint: this is a series for the Cicero haters). Gough takes us through some of the details we know about Antony’s early life as well as the influence of the Catiline conspiracy on the shape of politics during Antony’s lifetime.
Gough also takes us through his process and his rules for writing historical fiction. Join us as well learn more about the influences that frames Antony’s life and career and learn more about Gough’s detailed approach to historical fiction. If you enjoy historical fiction, we recommend checking out Gough’s novels! The four novels part of the Mark Antony series are: Caesar’s Soldier, Caesar’s General, Caesar’s Avenger, and Caesar’s Nemesis.
Sound Credits
Our music is by Bettina Joy de Guzman.
Automated Transcript
Lightly edited for our wonderful Australian accents.
