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Harry Sidebottom asserts the moral right to be identified as the author of this work

A catalogue record for this book is available from the British Library

While some of the events and characters are based on historical incidents and figures, this novel is entirely a work of fiction.

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Source ISBN 9780007499922

Ebook Edition © MAY 2016 ISBN: 9780007499946

Version: 2017-01-19

Dedication

To Richard Marshall

An empty pageant; a stage play; flocks of sheep, herds of cattle; a tussle of spearmen; a bone flung among a pack of curs; a crumb tossed into a pond of fish; ants, loaded and labouring; mice, scampering and scared; puppets jerking on their strings – that is life.

MARCUS AURELIUS, MEDITATIONS VII.3

Table of Contents

Cast of Main Characters