Norman Vance has written the first full-length study of the impact on Victorian Britain of the history and literature of ancient Rome. His comprehensive account shows how not only scholars and poets but also engineers, soldiers, scientists and politicians, gained inspiration from the writing, theory and practice of their Roman predecessors.

Professor Vance provides a fascinating account of the sense of connection Victorian Britain felt for the Roman experience, a connection made the more complex because Britain had once been a Roman colony and because Christianity took hold and spread under the Roman empire.

Zorovana is an elf from Valasadon-a city ruled by evil Blood Guardians. For many years, Zorovana's family has sought to destroy the Blood Crest Dagger imprisoned inside a great temple, for it holds the power to kill every living being in the universe. Zorovana is her family's last hope. She must find and destroy the dagger, but she cannot do it alone. As she embarks on a journey to Armagon to find the only one who can help her-her long-time friend Kaithar-Zorovana realizes that she is the only elf who has ever escaped from Valasadon. Kaithar is convinced that the journey to destroy the dagger will put both elves in extreme danger. But Zorovana is relentless and determined; after she finally persuades Kaithar to accompany her, they leave on a mission that has the potential to eliminate the Blood Guardians and bring back control of the cities to its citizens. As the elves begin their long journey to the sanctum high in the mountains, they travel through forests full of trolls and hidden goblin cities-and unknowingly place themselves into the deathly grip of the Blood Guardians, who will stop at nothing to protect their powerful weapon.