The Silver Branch

First published in 1957, this novel of Roman Britain is set in the late third century, when the rebel emperor Carausius holds the province. Cousins Flavius, a young officer, and Justin, an army surgeon, serve at Rutupiae, uncover a plot, and are drawn into the unstable court. After Carausius falls, they take to a hidden life as Allectus's rule turns harsh, and they become involved with a lost legionary standard and a resistance among ordinary people. The book is a historical adventure about loyalty in a breaking province, not a repeat of an earlier quest for one eagle.

Bound in grey cloth, blocked with a design in gold and black by Roman Pisarev. Grey endpapers. Plain black slipcase.