The Eagle of the Ninth: Centenary Edition (The Eagle of the Ninth film tie-in editions)

The film, “The Eagle” is based on this book. It is all fiction, however the book runs closer to the truth that the author of the book set out to find. This could have been a real event, but nobody knows. I bought the DVD, then the book. Recommend anyone to buy both, in that order.

The Eagle of the Ninth is a tremendous tale, based round the genuine mystery of the Ninth legion, lost in Britain in the 2nd century AD. A young centurion and his servant, a celt, travel north of Hadrian's Wall to try and discover what became of the legion. There's mystery and fighting, but it's also a story about friendship and trust. Rosemary Sutcliff has written many excellent historical novels for children, but this is one of her best.I have to be honest and admit I haven't heard this recording. I would give it 5 stars as the story is so good but it just can't be as good as the BBC full cast dramatisation, sadly only available on a double tape (ISBN 0-563-38920-6) which has been listened to countless times by my youngest (from ages 6-8) and 2 or 3 times by the rest of us (now aged 43, 42, 12 and 10) in the car. Only my daughter (10) isn't that keen to hear it again.One note of caution, Amazon claims this to be suitable for ages 4-8. I'd have thought that under 6s would struggle listening to it and it most suitable for over 10s to read it to themselves.

A superb adventure story of Roman Britain.It's a book that can be enjoyed across the generations. I had it on my bookshelf when I was 13 and have it still - decades later. I know they have made a film of it which will be released later this year and I so hope they don't alter the story or make a bad job of it. They will be messing with a dearly loved book if they do.The many previous reviewers have outlined the story. I want to praise the quality of the writing which makes me feel as if I'm there watching and seeing and feeling. I can see the intaglio emerald ring glinting on the hand of Marcus father and then on Marcus's hand when he regains it. I can feel Marcus pride in his first command, witness his energy and leadership as he defends the fort at Isca Dumnoniorum, and see the testudo formation he leads out to save the patrol trying to get back in. I remember and visualise Esca's memorable description of the mist 'licking up' the column of the lost Ninth as they march north. There are so many experiences and adventures to share.I hope this book never goes out of print. It shouldn't. It's a classic and a most accessible one.

This is the first of a three book trilogy, like most people I only read the first. It is a classic adventure story set during the Roman occupation of Britain. This should not be muddled with the film that gives a very adult take on the story. Both versions the original/film are available, here on Amazon.This is a children's novel aimed at the 9 to 14 age range, and like H. Potter for older readers. As an ex teacher I would say for 9 year olds it would be for `free-readers' those that the teacher feels have basically learnt to competently read.Sutcliff said her sources for the story were the finding of a Roman eagle in a river, now on show at Reading museum; and the debate over the missing Roman legion, and turned them into an adventure story. Putting my old teacher's hat on again it makes a good object lesson for children aspiring to be writers of the process of formulation of an idea/narrative from source material.The story itself now over looked explores the issues of conquest of a people by an outside force. The Roman imperial ideal, need for resources to maintain an empire. It sets this against those being subjected.It has an astute examination of the role of religion from both perspectives.I like the fact that the ending is not tidy, but rather open. The reader has to think about was the odyssey (as this is at heart an odyssey story) worth it for the main character. As the `politics' of the truth of what happened was known by those in power. The main character asks a question that the powerful (those in charge) did not want asked.The film of course adds the themes of same sex relationships which was done well as an addition I thought to the story, and not just put in to get ratings. Obviously the violence is played up in the film.An old story worth a look, with more in than you might think at first.

This book was originally written principally for children, but that seems such a waste! I don't ever remember reading it when I was young, although I do vaguely remember a TV adaptation going out in what used to be children's hour.It was written over fifty years ago now, and strangely you can tell; I don't know if it is the language used, but it doesn't detract from the enjoyment of reading. Today there is a mass of fiction set in Roman times (some would say far too much!), but this was one of the first aimed at the mass market.The story is fairly simple, but well told with, for me, just the right mix of description and story progression. It would still make a good introduction to historical fiction and is worth reading at any age.

It is an engaging novel, very well set historically and with thrilling chapters. I enjoyed it. The mystery about the missing Legio IX Hispana and the wingless eagle motivates you to read it. The characters are well rounded and very human, really captivating. The author describes so well the settings that you really feel as if you were there. A great novel.

I read this about 35 years ago, as a 10 year old boy. I was very much into Rome and archaeology and history, so it was a natural fit. It does contain some details about the roman military and ordinary life in roman Britain and quite a bit on the relations between occupier and occupied. It's also very beautifully written, with a ... flowery language and s great eye for details. You also get a lot of terminilogy with celtic, old Norse and scottish roots - there are dun, tarn and rath and many more. Most importantly, it's a very good, suspenseful adventure story, which kept me hooked.So, I'd say it's not an easy read for anyone below 12, maybe suitable for very strong readers at a younger age, who enjoy adventure novels and are into history.Im certain aspects, archaeological and historical understanding of the roman period has probably moved on a little bit, but I'm not an expert there and think it's still solid in it's historical accuracy. The eagle nowadays is not anymore taken to be a legion's standard and whether the area between Hadrian's and Antonius' wall was really called Valentia also seems doubtful, but these are details. More problematic is maybe the general optimism of Rosemary Sutcliff that we could really accurately portrait the life in roman times, whilst there's still so much we don't know. In a review of the book I read something along the line that we simply don't know what Romans in Britain ate for breakfast. But you probably need the confidence that you know what it was like back then, if you want to write a historical novel about that time.I when rereading it today, around the time of the withdrawal from Afghanistan, I couldn't help but reflect on the similarities between the war in Afghanistan and the roman occupation of the area north of the Hadrian's wall.And whilst I think that Rosemary Sutcliff's portrait of the relationship between roman occupiers and occupied native people is far from perfect (maybe too much Kipling in there?), she at least does tackle it and to me shows a deeper understanding of that relationship and appreciation for the occupied than 90% of the decision-makers regarding the war in Afghanistan.I haven't seen the movie and I dread it.

This is a book my husband has been looking for off and on, for years. It was one of his favourite books. I found a replacement book, this original, of Eagle of The Ninth, on Amazon, and ordered it right away. I've put it aside for Christmas. He will be thrilled to have the book again.

訳書を参考にキンドル辞書に頼りつつでも原書に触れたほうが、内容がピンときました。マーカスの初任地は帝国辺境で、つまり最前線・危険地域だったこと。砦の司令官の辛さは『友がいないこと』だという先任者の残す言葉の意味。ストーリー展開に合って、すんなり意味が通ります。できればイギリスグーグルでローマ帝国時代ブリテン地図をゲットして読むと、さらに意味がわかります。

I first read "The Eagle of the Ninth" in 5th grade primary school and loved it. I have just re-read it almost 50 years later and it has aged well. Like all good yarns it is really not just a kids' book but, like R.L. Stevenson's best works, good writing that a kid can enjoy. In these post-colonial days the relationship between the hero and his freed slave doesn't really ring true; why would a warrior Briton help a Roman invader dishonour his own tribe no matter how much he liked or respected him? But it's still a good buddy yarn told with beautiful language, pace and tension.