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Book Cover: CAESAR VERSUS POMPEY: Determining Rome's Greatest General, Statesman and Nation-Builder

'A TRIUMPH!'

Says PHILLIP BARLAG, author of Evil Roman Emperors and Host, 'The Greats of History' podcast.

COMING IN 2024

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Book Cover: SEVEN AGAINST THEBES: The Quest of the Original Magnificent Seven

Amazon US #1 New Release, Greek History

Now available in the US, UK, Canada, and Australia and New Zealand in hardback, paperback, e-book and audio book

 

"A ripping ancient blockbuster!" Melbourne Age and Sydney Morning Herald

 

"Why only (and this) Seven fighting against the great ancient city of Thebes? Read all about it in Stephen Dando-Collins's latest mythological extravaganza, squarely based as it is on the complex multiplicity of enthralling ancient written sources.'" PAUL CARTLEDGE, A.G. Leventis Professor of Greek Culture emeritus at the University of Cambridge, UK, and author of Thebes: The Forgotten City of Ancient Greece.

 

"With impressive and thorough attention to detail, Stephen Dando-Collins's Seven Against Thebes brings the ancient world into fierce action. He shows the all too human emotions, motives, and clashes of these Bronze Age men, who may - or may not - have lived more than three millennia ago, in a thrilling and astonishingly relatable way. By puzzling through the different variations of the myth, corroborating them with geographies, biographies, poems , artwork, archaeological evidence, histories and more, he manages to expertly stitch together the remains to bring to life the incredibly important foundational ancient myth of Thebes.' ANYA LEONARD, founder and director of Classical Wisdom, and author of Sapho: The Lost Poetess.

 

"Before 'The Magnificent Seven' rode into film history, there was Aeschylus' 'Seven Against Thebes', the classical template it drew on, even of the film's director didn't acknowledge it. In this dramatisation of the ancient Greek tale, Stephen Dando-Collins starts with Oedipus, his eye-piercing moment of truth when he gives up the throne of Thebes to his two sons, and the aftermath: a hotbed of inter-family infamy that led to the formation of the original Seven, their quest being to overthrow the imposter King of Thebes. It's an epic tale, and Dando-Collins, in his 46th book, recreates it with a thriller-like mix of drama, melodrama and theatrical dialogue. Whether it's true or not, and he's much concerned with this, suggesting that the Sphinx may actually have been a female highway robber, it's a ripping ancient blockbuster." MELBOURNE AGE and SYDNEY MORNING HERALD

 

"Yet another scorching and enthralling epic from the pen of Stephen Dando-Collins, the modern age's foremost dramatizer of ancient Greek and Roman history. Enough turmoil, blood, and tears for six books!

The real story of how Oedipus came to unknowingly kill his father, sleep with his own mother, and thus beget his own brothers and sisters, contrasts graphically with the commonly held misconception, fostered by Sigmund Freud, that he committed incest semi-consciously. The subsequent unfolding of gigantic events resulting from this freakish accidental union makes absorbing reading, and involves the lives of so many legendary names - Oedipus, Creon, Jocasta, Antigone, and the numerous gods, kings, heroes and beautiful women who throng the pages of Greek mythology.

Stephen Dando-Collins brings his vast knowledge of the many sources of the times - the writings of Aeschylus, Sophocles, Euripides, Seneca and subsequent scholars and playwrights - to reveal the events leading up to the ill-fated and bloody assault on Thebes in his usual clear and graphic style, while explaining in his scholarly notes how he has extrapolated the most likely true events from the many tangled versions handed down through the ages. This tale of the 'original Magnificent Seven' is a far more complex and tragic narrative than that related in the cinematic age, but still it's a shame that Yul Brynner and Steve McQueen aren't around to play the heroic leads!" ROBIN HAWDON, noted British playwright and author of Almost Famous, The Land, The Land, and Dinner With Churchill.

 

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Book Cover: REBELS AGAINST ROME: 400 Years of Rebellions Against the Rule of Rome

  #1 NEW RELEASE - Ancient Military History, AMAZON US, January 2023

'Boudicca, Spartacus, Arminius and Simon Bar-Kokhba join twenty less known heroes in this fascinating compendium of people who, having tasted Roman life, spat it out and turned against it in revolt, threatening the empire itself. They failed, but they failed magnificently. An absorbing journey into the long history of Rome and threats from within it faced to survive.' MARGARET GEORGE, New York Times bestselling author of The Confessions of a Young Nero and The Splendor Before the Dark.

'An enthralling read! In his selection of two dozen extensively researched case studies, Dando-Collins dissects rebellions that regularly changed the course of Roman history. In his writings he reveals the symptoms of revolution and charts the fates of charismatic freedom fighters, power hungry bureaucrats, and brilliant generals. He also reveals the brutality used to maintain this power. His words make these individuals real to the reader, beyond simple historical facts. In doing so, Dando-Collins provides brilliant insight into the way the Roman Empire dealt with the cancer of revolt.' DR. TERRY J. HANNAN, author of Heard, Healed, Helped: The Healing Power of Storytelling.


'Reading Rebels Against Rome was a pleasure, much like reading a novel... We can highly recommend it for those interested in the late Roman Empire, a fascinating subject of great importance to the Western World that reverberates through time to this day.'  MAJOR DAN, History & Headlines, US.

'Stephen Dando-Collins never fails to provide a thrilling and educational read.' CAMERON REILLY, co-host of The Life of Caesar podcast series.

 

RELEASED IN THE US ON JANUARY 31, 2023 BY TURNER PUBLISHING, IN THE UK ON MARCH 16, AND IN AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND SHORTLY AFTER.  

TRANSLATION RIGHTS AVAILABLE.

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Book Cover: CONSTANTINE AT THE BRIDGE: How the Battle of Milvian Bridge Created Christian Rome

'A marvelous book. An engaging and beautifully written study of a pivotal moment in Roman and European history.' MARK FELTON, author of Castle of the Eagles: Escape from Mussolini's Colditz, UK

'Dando-Collins' writing in this book follows the maxims of good journalism... He is an experienced and dependable writer.' WASHINGTON INDEPENDENT REVIEW OF BOOKS, US

'Stephen Dando-Collins has once again proved that he can easily tell stories in an accessible way, and based on reliable sources and knowledge base.' IMPERIUM ROMANUM, Poland  

'We love this writer's style... Those readers interested in the origins and formation of the Christian Church are well advised to read this account of a critical period in Christian history... An entertaining, informative, and educational read appropriate for high school through graduate school students and casual readers alike. We give this book a hearty thumbs up and our highest recommendation!' HISTORY AND HEADLINES, US

 

THE AD 312 BATTLE OF THE MILVIAN BRIDGE, JUST OUTSIDE ROME, MARKED THE START OF A MONUMENTAL CHANGE FOR ROME AND HER EMPIRE.

THIS BATTLE WAS THE FIGURATIVE BRIDGE BETWEEN OLD PAGAN ROME AND NEW CHRISTIAN  ROME. AND ONCE THIRTY-FIVE-YEAR-OLD CONSTANTINE THE GREAT HAD CROSSED THAT BRIDGE, THERE WAS NO TURNING BACK.

Published in the US on November 9, 2021 by Turner Publishing

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Book Cover: CONQUERING JERUSALEM: The Roman Campaign to Crush the AD 66-73 Jewish Revolt

'Full of tragedy and triumph, heartbreak and heroism, Conquering Jerusalem deftly balances masterful storytelling with exquisite attention to detail. This book is a must-read to understand this conflict, which still reverberates to this day.' PHILIP BARLAG, author of Evil Roman EmperorsThe History of Rome in 12 Buildings, and The Leadership Genius of Julius Caesar, US

'Stephen Dando-Collins tells this story as a rip-roaring yarn that clarifies both the complexities of combat and the political maneuvers that influenced the outcome of the military struggle.' DAVID RICHTER, professor emeritus, Graduate Center, City University of  New York, US

'Gripping... Stephen Dando-Collins narrates his well-researched account of the complex and often harrowing events with a punchy clarity.' PAUL N. PEARSON, author of Maximinus Thrax: From Common Soldier to Emperor of Rome, UK

'Expert historian and author Stephen Dando-Collins chronicles the First Jewish Revolt and its important role in both Roman and Jewish memory.' BLUECHER, Germany

'A granular, blow-by-blow account. PUBLISHERS WEEKLY, US

'Highly readable, while retaining academic accuracy and serious addressing of facts and events... Dando-Collins has a true gift as an author... We strongly recommend Conquering Jerusalem for all readers, students, academics and casual historians... a must read.' HISTORY AND HEADLINES, US

'Dando-Collins' skillful descriptions enable us to see not only how much, but how little the world has changed.' PORTLAND BOOK REVIEW, US

'A very solid account of the political events of the Empire during the years 66-73 CE.' IMPERIUM ROMANUM, Poland 

'(A) fascinating historical study, thoroughly accessible to lay readers and scholars alike. Highly recommended.' MIDWEST BOOK REVIEW, US

'A compelling narrative of the First Jewish-Roman War, clearly written to capture the victories, agonies and entanglements of both sides of the conflict.' SAN DIEGO JEWISH WORLD, US

 

RELEASED IN THE US IN JULY, 2021, THE UK IN AUGUST, 2021, AND AUSTRALIA IN LATE 2021

 

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Book Cover: CYRUS THE GREAT, Conqueror, Liberator, Anointed One

WITH AN AFTERWORD BY PROFESSOR DAVID RICHTER

#1 NEW RELEASE, Biography, Amazon US, July, 2020

'One of the Most Anticipated Books for 2020,' A Book and Words

'Expert... excellent... engaging... A comprehensive biography that treats an important piece of history as the gripping story that it is.' Foreword Magazine, US

WINNER, SILVER AWARD FOR BIOGRAPHY, 2020 INDIE AWARDS, US

In this first ever modern biography of Cyrus the Great, founder of the Persian Empire and the only non Jew referred to as 'anointed by God' in the Old Testament, Stephen applies his usual depth of research and highly readable narrative style to cut through folklore and myth to deliver a fascinating account of a fascinating life.

A brilliant general and administrator, Cyrus freed the Jews in exile at Babylon after he conquered the Babylonian Empire and allowed them to go home to Jerusalem. Cyrus influenced the US Bill of Rights and is the Biblical figure to whom US President Donald Trump has been favorably compared by the Prime Minister of Israel and Christian evangelicals - whether that comparison is valid or not, you can decide for yourself once you have read the book.

From fraught youth to a rise to power through desperate rebellion and gifted generalship, this is the true story of one of history's most influential figures.

Published in the US, UK and Australia/New Zealand in 2020 by Turner Publishing. Spanish and Latin American editions due in 2023.

 

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Book Cover: CALIGULA, The Mad Emperor of Rome

'A small masterpiece.' RALPH BENKO, realclearhistory.com, US

'Was Caligula really mad, bad and dangerous to know? Discover whether he deserves his infamy - or not - in this engrossing character study of the famous emperor.' MARGARET GEORGE, New York Times bestselling author of The Confessions of Young Nero and The Splendor Before the Dark, US

'There have been many biographies of Caligula, but none that have such spark and vivacity. This reads more like a thriller than a biography.' MANDA SCOTT, bestselling author of the  Boudica and Rome series and A Treasury of Spies, and former president of the Historical Writers Association of the UK

'A compelling page-turner. It reads like a political thriller. Which it is. It reads like a work of investigative journalism. Which it is. It reads like a myth-busting period history. Which it is. The author, clearly familiar with, yet never pedantic about, the primary sources, dispels many old libels masquerading for centuries as fake news. Meanwhile he provides us with an abundance of documented stories so lurid as to dwarf the overhyped misdemeanors of today... Caligula may herald the perfection of a new literary genre: "forensic history." It takes narrative history to a virtuosic level with a timeless story extremely well-told.' RALPH BENKO, US columnist

'A fascinating and widely documented new biography.' UNIDAD EDITORIAL, Spain

'Stephen Dando-Collins has used a wide variety of ancient sources to construct a far more three-dimensional portrait of this important ruler.' PROFESSOR JOHN R. HALE, University of Louisville, US

'A marvelous book. Stephen Dando-Collins offers a fresh scholarly perspective on the notorious emperor Caligula that succeeds admirably in being of interest to professional scholars of the early Roman Empire and to the general reader. This is a lively, engaging volume that is a true pleasure to read. Anyone interested in ancient Rome will want to acquire and enjoy this great new addition to the bibliography.' DR. LEE FRATANTUONO, Professor of Classics, Ohio Wesleyan University, and author of Caligula, An Unexpected General, US

'Dando-Collins debunks some myths surrounding the third emperor of Rome... a complex character; a murderer, no doubt, but also a victim.' EL PAIS, Spain

'A marvelously readable popular biography. It's studded with atmospheric, well-crafted set pieces highlighting both the excesses of this emperor's reign and his imperial milieu.' WASHINGTON INDEPENDENT REVIEW OF BOOKS, US

'From cover to cover, CALIGULA: THE MAD EMPEROR OF ROME is a truly masterful and gripping read.' FRESH FICTION, US

 

Was the young third of emperor of Rome sex-crazed, bedding his three sisters and engaging in drunken orgies? Did he make his horse a senator, and declare himself a god? Did he set out to invade Britain only to order his troops to collect sea-shells on a French beach? Did he consign biblical figures Pontius Pilate and Herod Antipas to ignominious fates? Did he prove to be, as his predecessor Tiberius predicted, a viper set loose on the Roman people? Can Caligula and Donald Trump justifiably be compared?

The 1979 movie 'Caligula' was full of distortions about Caligula; distortions which have entered the popular imagination. In this riveting, widely researched new biography of the young emperor, Stephen sets out to sort the facts from the fictions, and, based on his knowledge as a renowned international expert on the legions of Rome, provides answers to questions that have perplexed biographers and historians for centuries.

Published on July 30, 2019 in the US and August 15 2019 in the UK by Turner Publishing in hardback, paperback, e-book and audio book, with a Spanish edition now also released in Spain.

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Book Cover: Caesar the War Dog 3: Operation Pink Elephant

'An interesting look into the world of poaching and the people who fight against it. This is an excellent book, full of action and excitement.' TOWNSVILLE BULLETIN

When their friend Lucky is kidnapped by elephant poachers in Tanzania, the Global Rapid Reaction Responders team is called in to find him. Caesar the super-sniffing war dog is among the team, along with his handler Ben and team leader Charlie, for the mission.

After a death-defying parachute jump into the ocean and pickup by Australia's largest warship, HMAS Canberra, they start gathering clues.

Saving Lucky and village children who have also been kidnapped by the heavily armed poachers is top priority, but the GRRR team is also prepared to do whatever is necessary to stop the cruel trade in elephant tusks. A battle is about to erupt on the African plain!

As part of the research for this book, Stephen delved deep into the elephant tusk poaching trade, discovering that an Australian ranger was genuinely kidnapped by poachers. Stephen was also a guest of the Royal Australian Navy for a private tour of HMAS Canberra.

 

 

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Book Cover: Caesar the War Dog 2: Operation Blue Dragon

'This action-packed adventure will satisfy animal lovers and military enthusiasts alike. Caesar is easy to love and he really shines at showing the greatness behind military service dogs.' SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL, US

'The book's strength is its level of detail and contemporary subject matter... It does not glorify war and violence, but rather promotes peacekeeping and cooperation.' BOOKLIST, US

 

Caesar is back in action with his handler Ben, and back in Afghanistan.

In another gripping adventure, when the visiting Secretary-General of the United Nations is captured by the Taliban and a rescue mission is mounted, it's Caesar and the operatives of the UN's new multinational GRRR special operations unit who have to locate and save him.

 

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Book Cover: Tank Boys

'Boys aged 12 to 16 would revel in this superby crafted story, composed with a mix of plenty of amiable youthful humour.' READPLUS, Australia

 

Based around the first ever tank versus tank battle of WWI, and inspired by the true story of a boy smuggled back to Australia by Aussie soldiers after the war, Stephen Dando-Collins tells the gripping, captivating story of three 16-year-olds from different sides who come face to face on the Somme battlefield.

Frankie and Taz didn't think about killing or dying when they lied about their age to enlist in the Australian Imperial Force. Richard is conscripted into the German Army via a clerical error, and finds himself the youngest member of the sixteen man crew of the massive German tank Mephisto as it rolls into battle at Villers-Bretonneux. What happens next will change the lives of the three youths forever.