Writer pens new book on Empire
A Stirling writer has used his knowledge of the Forth to inform his new novel on the Roman Empire.
Former Stirling Observer journalist Douglas Jackson - who lives next to the river - has penned a second book about Roman cavalry commander Marcus Flavius Victor entitled The Barbarian.
Doug said his experience of the Forth was very useful to set the scene of a river journey taken by Marcus through Saxon lands.
He commented: “At the heart of the story is a journey along the length of the River Elbe from what is now Hamburg to a place called Lupfurdum, where a great spring fair is taking place.
“I’ve always been fascinated by the concept of rivers as highways since ancient times, and living literally a stone’s throw from the Forth, as I do now, fired my imagination and inspired Marcus to make the journey by river.
“By coincidence, the topography of the landing place at Lupfurdum, now near Meissen, is very similar to that between the Forth and Stirling Castle and I was able to use my knowledge of the geography to recreate the atmosphere of the place.”
After working for the Observer, Doug went on to work with the Daily Record and The Scotsman before leaving the business to become a full time writer in 2009 after the publication of his debut novel, Caligula.
The Barbarian – his seventeenth traditionally published novel which follows The Wall, the first to feature Marcus Flavius Victor – is released on June 8.
Doug said of the new book: “Instead of winning eternal fame and glory as the man who destroyed the power of the Picts, Marcus has been consigned to internal exile in the wetlands of eastern England where he and the troopers of the Ala Sabiniana try to keep the raiding Saxons at bay.
“Worse, someone has been spreading rumours that he’s plotting against the Emperor and he’s suspected of treason.
“His old comrade Flavius Stilicho, Rome’s foremost general, sends word that Marcus should join him and clear his name, but the Briton has unfinished business which takes him into the very heart of darkness in the barbarian lands where the Empire’s enemies are gathering. “It’s essentially a story of his search for redemption for abandoning his son, who was kidnapped by the Saxons, and his attempt to resurrect his military career by proving his courage and loyalty to the Emperor. “Along the way, Marcus meets two of Rome’s most fearsome enemies. Alaric, who’s famed for sacking Rome a few years after these events, and an Ostrogoth leader called Radagaisus, largely forgotten by history, but who invaded Italy with a host of 80,000 barbarian warriors at precisely the time Marcus is trying to reach Stilicho. “It was a great book to write, and took me into some fascinating places with the characters, both geographically and psychologically.” Doug will be appearing at Fallin Library on Thursday May 25, 7pm to 8pm, to talk about the book and his writing as part of the Off the Page festival. To book call 01786 812492 or email fallinlibrary@stirling.gov.uk.