THE ADVENTURER

The enormous success of The will supply the initial impetus for The Adventure but- for this reader- the new book lacks both the quality and the ultimate impact of its predecessor. Where the background of The Egyptian was a richly caparisoned and detailed tapestry of life in ancient Egypt- so convincing that one was wholly translated and lost in the period, the new book uses virtually all of early 16th century Europe as its setting. Born in Finland, in troubled times, Michael, served as apprentice to various professions; he was thrust out of the church; he was a mercenary, a student, a doctor an adventurer, now a hero, now a rogue, now serving one master, now another, involved in an accusation of sorcery (his wife died as a witch) he played in his time many parts and participated in some of the dramas of history. The story ends with the sack of Rome. Too far flung for the intense conviction of the earlier book, but on its fame and with extensive publicity this will be off to a big start.