Vergilius: A Tale of the Coming of Christ

"Vergilius: A Tale of the Coming of Christ" by Irving Bacheller is a historical fiction that transports the reader to ancient Rome, weaving a story of love, faith, and the rise of Christianity amidst a fading pagan world. The story centers on Vergilius, a Roman knight, as he grapples with his love for Arria, a noble's daughter, while navigating the empire's moral decline. The story begins in a vividly portrayed Rome, where wealth masks the spiritual emptiness of its citizens and introduces us to Vergilius, an honorable young man, and his growing affection for Arria. Their romance faces obstacles like social pressures and political schemes, particularly as Vergilius gets caught up in the affairs of influential people like the emperor Augustus. The early parts of the book promise a great adventure, exploring themes of love, honor, and the search for truth as the empire approaches a major turning point.