Quo Vadis
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Superb work of literature!
  • A different kind of Sienkiewicz...
  • A Masterpiece, Despite Glamorization of Early Christianity
  • A timeless classic!
  • A solid historical novel about Rome in the 1st century ad.
Quo Vadis
Henryk Sienkiewicz
Manufacturer: Hippocrene Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0781805503

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Superb work of literature!.......2007-08-15

"Quo Vadis" is one of my favorite works of literature. The characterization is generally very well executed and the plot was able to hold my interest throughout. Sienkiewicz created characters who are sure to be loved or supremely disliked by the audience and several characters change throughout the novel making them even more interesting. Despite some historical errors (most scholars now believe Nero didn't order Rome burned), the work was obviously highly reasearched. Sienkiewicz did a fantastic job at showing some of the darker sides of Roman culture; the novel is very violent in places. Sadism is quite blatantly visible in regards to some of the "amusements" the imperial court and circus crowds entertain themselves with. The scene in which Rome burns was protrayed vividly and epicly. Overall, I believe Sienkiewicz deserved a nobel prize for literature for this piece alone.
I read "Quo Vadis" earlier this summer after returning from a trip to Italy. The reading experience was greatly enhanced by seeing some of the sites promently featured in the novel. Although the novel leans Catholic, I believe Christians of about any denomination can enjoy it (I am a Southern Baptist myself). Even non-Christian readers might enjoy the plot and vivid detail.
Personally, I preferred this novel to Ben-Hur (I enjoyed and would recommend both books though).

5 out of 5 stars A different kind of Sienkiewicz..........2007-07-27

I'm a huge Sienkiewicz fan. The Deluge, With Fire and Sword, Fire in the Steppe, The Teutonic Knights all were phenomenal books. While I also loved Quo Vadis, I didn't get the same page-turning thrill that I did with the previous Sinekiewicz books I've read. Some indefinable quality just didn't transfer from the author's martial tales of medieval Poland to Pauline-era Rome.

Perhaps, the thematic romance between Vinicius and Lygia threw me off, though, as romances go, it was deftly done. There certainly was no lack of despicable Neronian deeds and compassionless megalomania. Petronius, the protagonist's Machiavellian uncle, is one of the more finely-wrought characters one will find.

In the end, it's personal preference. I, used to Sienkiewicz tales of war, pillage, and plunder, found myself in the midst of a love story and couldn't shake it off. This is no basis to pan a piece of excellent literature - a classic that, despite my druthers, is written as well as any other. There is much to be gleaned from good historical fiction and this book proves no exception. Quo Vadis takes the reader through the horrors of Neronian empire and deposits them at the other end a better student for it. 5 stars.

5 out of 5 stars A Masterpiece, Despite Glamorization of Early Christianity.......2007-06-15

This is a story of love that defies all odds, a faith that defies the most powerful man on earth, and a moral code that survives the most brutal of tortures, the most horrible of deaths. "Where are you going?" asks the Latin title - a question that St. Peter directs at the vision of Christ, but one that Mr. Sienkiewicz directs at Rome of the first century, and by implication his world of the late 19th century - a world where the old moral values were dying, and new ones have yet to appear.

Little mentioned in modern criticism, and largely unknown to modern readers, Quo Vadis, published in Polish in 1896, is considered to be the best selling novel of all time. It has been translated to more than 40 languages, and has been adapted into a play, an opera, and four different films (the best known of those being a 1951 movie featuring Robert Taylor and Deborah Kerr). In 1905, it earned Henryk Sienkiewicz a Nobel Prize for Literature, and international fame. Its unequaled success may be partly due to its glamorized treatment of early Christianity, but the main reason for its success is more pleasant: Quo Vadis is, in fact, one of the technically greatest romantic novels ever written.

A moment before the great Roman Empire crumbles into dust, under the all-powerful emperor Nero, an impossible love affair starts a chain of events that will turn life around for many. Marcus Vinicius, a young Roman aristocrat, falls in love with Lygia, a beautiful Christian girl of royal descent. Through their tumultuous relationship Vinicius, still a pagan and a slaveholder, learns to appreciate the newly formed Christian religion, with its stress on the individual soul, respect towards one's fellow men, and forgiveness. He learns the difference between Lygia and the lewd, frivolous women of his time, and begins, gradually and torturously, to accept the new faith.

But the reign of the sadistic, narcissistic Nero is the worst possible setting for a love affair of this kind, and as Nero searches for scapegoats to blame for the burning of Rome, which he himself instigated, the Christians fit perfectly into his plans. Soon the two lovers, together with everyone they have come to love and respect, will be in the gravest danger. Not even the apostles Peter and Paul, sharing their adversity, can guarantee their safety in this world.

Henryk Sienkiewicz strove to perfect every element of his craft - and did. The plot is complex, logical, fast-paced and suspenseful. The theme is important, and so well-integrated into the plot that one cannot separate the two. The writing style is superb, alive with metaphors and very witty. One feels as if he sees the whole of Rome in front of him, its orgies and slaves, its great wealth and great corruption, the red flames consuming it while dancing enchantingly to Nero's lute.

Nothing makes turn of the first millennium Rome more real to us than its characters. Fully developed individuals to the least of them, Sienkiewicz's characters come to life in the reader's mind - and stay with him long after the book is put aside. Nero the poet, who murders and burns for inspiration; Vinicius, who has to fight his soldier's instincts and put his faith in greater forces; Petronius, a frequenter of Nero's court, who's unforgettable wit and charm are surpassed only by his hidden moral nature (which he would prefer to call simply "good taste"). Even the two apostles receive a full development and are presented as conflicted, suffering human beings - who remain true to their beliefs.

But what is the message of this story? What is its theme? And can any non-Christian sympathize with it? The answer to the last is yes, because this is not primarily a story about Christianity, but about the power of morality. The Rome that Sienkiewicz portrays is evil not because it is non-Christian, but primarily because it has no regards for morality as such. It is a nightmarish mix of nihilism, pragmatism, and hedonism - all of which are not systems of morality at all, but denials of the very need for morality. Even though Sienkiewicz offers early Christianity as the model of morality, it is clear from his choice of characters and events, as well as his stylistic focus, that he does not mean to present a specific, fully developed moral code, but to the essence of morality itself. The theme of this story is: the ultimate impotence of unprincipled evil, even if it does seem all powerful, against a principled morality.

And indeed, the objectivity of this piece is noteworthy: Not all Christians are presented as good, and not all "heathen" are presented as evil. Even inside the emperor's court, one can find heroism. Indeed - the noblest character in this novel is that of Petronius who, despite being somewhat sympathetic towards the Christians, is by no means a Christian, and does not wish to become one.

The inconsistencies of Christian morality are not glossed over or ignored. A few times throughout the novel the pacifist Christians are saved only when one of them commits the sin of self-defense and kills a few Roman soldiers. He is then overcome by guilt, and "forgiven" by the very same people he had just saved from sure death. At other times the principle of forgiveness gets the Christians in a world of trouble - and indeed this whole Christian holocaust could have been prevented with a little less forgiveness towards one very evil character. One can sense, though this is open for debate, that Sienkiewicz is not a great fan of turning the other cheek.

Heaven and hell, the afterlife, are not treated in this novel as facts, but hopes and fears of men who admit, at least to themselves, that they are not sure. In a sense, they are all holding on to their beliefs because they feel it alone gives them a sense of an orderly, just universe in face of the grim reality of ultimate power and ultimate corruption. While I disagree that only a belief in God can grant meaning to life and instill moral principles, I did enjoy this book as a story about the power of morality as such - and with that in mind one can admire the heroism of men who abide by their principles, even when one disagrees with those heartily.

Perhaps the greatest value of this work lies in the way it brings ancient history to life, and examines it. The author had obviously done a tremendous amount of historical research, and is well versed in even the smallest details of the times. The historical characters (Nero, Petronius, Burrus, Senecio, St. Peter and St. Paul) are fully developed fictional characters, yet they are true to what historical records tell us about them, even when dramatized.

Alongside its philosophical-moral theme, the novel presents a historical theme. "How is it possible," one can imagine Henryk Sienkiewicz asking, "that such a small group of people, and such a strange mix of ideas spread like wildfire and take over the Roman empire, and the entire world, so quickly?". The novel dramatizes the answer beautifully: Christianity gave absolute and more humane moral answers, at a time of a complete moral and intellectual vacuum.

The historical events described in this novel are larger than life. By selecting a time of such cataclysmic events, Sienkiewicz manages to remain both true to history, and as dramatic as any great romantic writer. One of the high points of the novel is when the great fire of Rome rages through the streets. History tells us that in that fire much of Rome was burned down to the ground, many hundreds were killed, and many thousands lost their homes. Slaves rebelled against their masters. All possible kinds of lowlifes crawled out of the gutters and tried their hands at pillaging what the fire left behind. Nero's Praetorian guards, instead of putting the fire out, helped it spread, and Nero himself did nothing but play his song on the burning of Troy.

Imagine what a great artist can do with such an event, and then rest assured: Henryk Sienkiewicz does it better. Unlike the often heavy-handed style of Hugo's historical references, you feel while reading this novel that you are learning the essentials of the time, without being burdened with historical trivia that's irrelevant to the plot.

The most serious problem with this novel is mostly the result of the specific morality it promotes: the morality of turning the other cheek. Marcus Vinicius, the so-called hero of this novel and a hot blooded soldier at the beginning of the story, is reduced to a sniveling coward by this ideal. Instead of fighting for his life and love, by the end of the novel he just keeps crying, blanching, and almost fainting like a French noblewoman whenever he hears some bad news. One is tempted at times to cry to high heavens: "Christ, bring me back the old Vinicius!"

Vinicius's transformation into a whining, quivering pacifist is as well-written as the rest of the novel. His focus is slowly shifting from self-defense to turning the other cheek, and that is followed by a shift of focus from this world to the next. As a man of action who's no longer able to strike out, Vinicius is limited to running and praying - which he does quite a bit near the end. This process is portrayed as necessary in the impossible circumstances he is put in, but one cannot avoid feeling disappointed by his weakness, and thank Sienkiewicz for at least providing a better hero, Petronius, who remains a worldly man of action to the end - and drives the plot forward.

But what a great hero-substitute is Petronius! His mind is sharp; his morality, though somewhat lacking, represents the best of first century Rome (a mix of hedonism with a sense of honor and good taste); and his wit is reason enough to read this novel. Time and again he manipulates Nero and the entire court to his favor, and time and again he manages to do some good even while playing by the rules of an evil game. When his end comes, he reclaims his integrity and directs his final stab of wit at the great Nero. The best of Rome would perish with him, but what a show it gives before the end!

A lot can be said in criticism of the glamorization of early Christianity in this novel. But despite its weaknesses, the story retains a degree of honesty, importance, and drama that was rarely matched since. Henryk Sienkiewicz's technique is near flawless, and the experience as a whole is overwhelming. The modern reader will find that the dilemmas of this novel are still very much alive today, and will rediscover the power of fiction to transcend time, distance, and language.

5 out of 5 stars A timeless classic!.......2007-02-23

Quo Vadis is my favorite novel of all time. I make a point to read it every year or so (it would be a great book to read during Lent). This particular translation is the best one I've found.

Quo Vadis is an epic that won the nobel prize for literature in 1905. Mr. Sienkiewicz was a brilliant storyteller. This book was written in the classical romantic literary style of nineteenth century Poland (it was a favorite of Pope John Paul II). If you are a historical fiction enthusiast, I highly recommend this book.

4 out of 5 stars A solid historical novel about Rome in the 1st century ad........2006-12-09


It takes a lot of daring -if not arrogance- for a serious writer to put together in the same page (260 in my edition) the persons of Peter and Paul, the two apostles, in the same room talking. Even more, the author has Paul say that Peter is his "superior", which quite denotes a Catholic slant. But anyhow, I excuse him for these escesses of imagination because, overall, this is a good historical novel. Not accurate, and not only for the facts mentioned but in a general sense too.

The tone swings from sarcastic and humorous to melodramatic romance. Thus its ups and downs. It tried my patience in the latter cases, but I guess I got over it. I would say it is a very interesting novel because of the scope of its subject, which interests me greatly, the Roman Empire, the beginning of Christianism in Rome, the lives of the first martyrs, the persecutions, the contrast of visions: pagan and Christian. Luckily the author was able to hold all these ingredients in one single story pretty well, despite the deficiencies noted.

I would have expected to see in these pages the names of historical figures mentioned, like those of Peter, Paul or Nero, but not with these familiarity -though to a different reader it might be an incentive instead of an annoyance-, because I would have preferred that the author would limit himself to aknowledged facts and not make them up when historical characters are involved in the plot. The consequence is -to me- that they look less real, as part of a soap-opera, and this is a bad taste or, at least, cheap art.

Anyhow, since there's not much out there about this time and subject, I recommend this book gladly. It's a worth read. Now hope they will edit the old movie version sometime. I remember when a child I liked it too.
Quo Vadis Quantum Mechanics? (The Frontiers Collection)
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    Quo Vadis Quantum Mechanics? (The Frontiers Collection)

    Manufacturer: Springer
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    Quo Vadis
    Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    • A must-read, in Polish or in translation
    Quo Vadis
    Henryk Sienkiewicz
    Manufacturer: Norilana Books
    ProductGroup: Book
    Binding: Paperback

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    ASIN: 1934169072

    Book Description

    Henryk Sienkiewicz (1846-1916) won the 1905 Nobel Prize in Literature. A brilliant Polish writer and patriot, he is possibly best known abroad for his monumental historical epic Quo Vadis that portrays the vibrant and dissonant combination of cruel excesses and decadence of Rome during the reign of the corrupt Emperor Nero and the high faith of the emerging era of early Christianity.

    Quo Vadis: A Narrative of the Time of Nero, is a love story of Marcus Vinicius, a passionate young Roman tribune, and Lygia Callina, a beautiful and gentle Christian maiden of royal Lygian descent and a hostage of Rome, raised in a patrician home. At first Marcus, a typical aristocratic Roman libertine of his time, has no notion of love and merely desires Lygia with erotic animalistic intensity. Through political machinations of the elegant Petronius he contrives to have her taken by force from her foster home and into the decadent and terrible splendor of the court of Ceasar, setting in motion a course of events that culminate in his own spiritual redemption.

    Intricately researched, populated with vibrant historical figures, and gorgeous period detail, bloody spectacle and intimate beauty, this is an epic tapestry of the triumph of love, faith and sacrifice.

    Customer Reviews:

    5 out of 5 stars A must-read, in Polish or in translation.......2007-05-02

    Probably one of the greatest books ever written in Polish. Makes one see why Sienkiewicz received a Nobel Prize in literature. Great story, set in 1st century Rome during the persecution of the first Christians. Its themes are timeless: finding good in the midst of evil, faith and the presence of God in dark times, true love versus lust. Beautifully written and compelling.
    Quo Vadis
    Average customer rating: Not rated
      Quo Vadis
      Henryk Sienkiewicz
      Manufacturer: Norilana Books
      ProductGroup: Book
      Binding: Hardcover

      ClassicsClassics | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
      HistoricalHistorical | Genre Fiction | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
      Similar Items:
      1. Quo Vadis Quo Vadis

      ASIN: 1934169064

      Book Description

      Henryk Sienkiewicz (1846-1916) won the 1905 Nobel Prize in Literature. A brilliant Polish writer and patriot, he is possibly best known abroad for his monumental historical epic Quo Vadis that portrays the vibrant and dissonant combination of cruel excesses and decadence of Rome during the reign of the corrupt Emperor Nero and the high faith of the emerging era of early Christianity.

      Quo Vadis: A Narrative of the Time of Nero, is a love story of Marcus Vinicius, a passionate young Roman tribune, and Lygia Callina, a beautiful and gentle Christian maiden of royal Lygian descent and a hostage of Rome, raised in a patrician home. At first Marcus, a typical aristocratic Roman libertine of his time, has no notion of love and merely desires Lygia with erotic animalistic intensity. Through political machinations of the elegant Petronius he contrives to have her taken by force from her foster home and into the decadent and terrible splendor of the court of Ceasar, setting in motion a course of events that culminate in his own spiritual redemption.

      Intricately researched, populated with vibrant historical figures, and gorgeous period detail, bloody spectacle and intimate beauty, this is an epic tapestry of the triumph of love, faith and sacrifice.
      Quo Vadis: A Narrative Of The Time Of Nero
      Average customer rating: Not rated
        Quo Vadis: A Narrative Of The Time Of Nero
        Henryk Sienkiewicz
        Manufacturer: Kessinger Publishing, LLC
        ProductGroup: Book
        Binding: Paperback

        ContemporaryContemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
        HistoricalHistorical | Genre Fiction | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
        ASIN: 1417932465

        Book Description

        1898. Sienkiewicz is regarded as the most outstanding and prolific Polish writer of the second half of the nineteenth century. The winner of the Nobel Prize in 1905, he is best known for his epic historical novel Quo Vadis, which depicts early Christianity and the persecutions. The story follows Vinicius, a soldier, who, in order to win the love of Ligia, a Christian, must come to understand the true meaning of her religion, even as Rome sinks under the excesses of Nero and Christians are thrown to the lions. See other titles by this author available from Kessinger Publishing.
        Quo Vadis
        Average customer rating: Not rated
          Quo Vadis
          Henryk Sienkiewicz
          Manufacturer: Aegypan
          ProductGroup: Book
          Binding: Paperback

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          BiblicalBiblical | Fiction | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
          ASIN: 160312036X

          Book Description

          The Latin phrase, Quo Vadis? means "Whither goest thou?" It is a phrase of great meaning to Christians. The author of Quo Vadis, Henryk Sienkiewicz, was awarded the Nobel Prize for literature in 1905, and the enduring popularity of Quo Vadis contributed greatly to the award. Set in Rome in the time of Nero, Quo Vadis tells the story of Roman tribune Marcus, who falls in love with a beautiful Christian girl, Ligia. Sienkiewicz studied Roman history extensively before writing the book, and it features real historical figures, including St. Peter, Petronius, and the Emperor Nero. Quo Vadis tells a powerful tale of love and redemption in a time of ultimate danger -- for Christians and Romans alike.
          Quo Vadis: A Story of Faith in the Last Days of the Roman Empire (Focus on the Family Great Stories)
          Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
          • Reads like a romance novel
          • Completely dependent on the translator.
          • Gorgeous book- but stiff as a board and just as lifeless!
          • The Absolute Best Book Ever!!!
          • Very literary, a little melodramatic
          Quo Vadis: A Story of Faith in the Last Days of the Roman Empire (Focus on the Family Great Stories)
          Henryk Sienkiewicz , and Joe L. Wheeler
          Manufacturer: Focus on the Family Publishing
          ProductGroup: Book
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          ASIN: 1561797952

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          In the dark, decadent last days of the Roman Empire, a pagan soldier sees a girl of exotic beauty and decides he must have her as his concubine. But unknown to him, Ligia is a Christian intent on living a pure life, even as Nero's ruthless persecution sweeps the city. As the lives of Vinicius and Ligia intertwine, they watch the world they know change before their eyes. While the apostles Peter and Paul seek to save the immoral city from ruin, Christians are brutally martyred in the Coliseum and Rome burns. Quo Vadis, part of Focus on the Family Great Stories collection, vividly captures all the madness and suspense of one of history's most unforgettable chapters.

          Introduction and Afterword by Joe Wheeler

          Customer Reviews:

          4 out of 5 stars Reads like a romance novel.......2002-05-24

          This book reads a bit like a trashy romance novel. That is to say, it is a very easy read, the vocabulary is relatively simple, and the story gets you hooked from chapter to chapter. Not to mention it kind of _is_ a trashy romance novel. But on the other hand it does give one a nice picture of the first Christians and Rome in Nero's time. The characterization of Nero is especially funny. Not to mention it has a nice/happy ending so you feel all warm and fuzzy at the end in spite of all the nasty things that happen in between. (Hope that was not too much of a spoiler) All in all, an entertaining read, but don't expect big revelations.

          4 out of 5 stars Completely dependent on the translator........1999-11-22

          There are some foreign language books, like the Odyssey, or the Three Musketeers, or perhaps Ibsen, that endure lingual translations, despite the incompetency of the translator. Quo Vadis is not one of those books. Some translations are terrible and flat, while others ring true with the lucidity of brilliant writing. The W.S. Kuniczak edition is probably the finest rendition currently available in English. However, if one is looking for a biblical work of fiction that truly inspires in English- try Ben-Hur, by Lew Wallace.

          2 out of 5 stars Gorgeous book- but stiff as a board and just as lifeless!.......1999-10-02

          OK, I've tried to read "Quo Vadis" several times and... man, I just couldn't dig it!! The descriptions are nice enough, if you don't mind the wordy style of Victorian times, but what rubbed me wrong was how the Christians vs. pagans battle was portrayed. The Christians are dull and pretty stupid- almost intolerably goody goody, and *insipid*! The pagans are bad, but they're bad in an interesting way. Sure, they're going to hell in the end, but in the meantime, they're so dynamic and fun- and Nero can sure plan good orgies. Read the New Testament and you'll see the early Christians in there are almost anything but stupid, and certainly not dull! (I imagine St Pete himself was a pretty exciting cat to know.) I get the feeling old Henryk knew that he had to write in the 'Christians' as the heroes, but his heart wasn't really into it. He really knows how to describe a party, and all the superficiality it entails. But the Christians in this book- they're NOTHING like the truly spiritual people of my acquaintance. They come across like Victorian stage characters, posing in the accepted holy poses, having visions in the accepted style of visionaries. (Angels come out and lights abound; all the acceptable props, you know.) So, read "Quo Vadis" for the gorgeous detail and ornate dialogue, because I can't say it's not technically well done. But if you want something that gets into the heart of soul of a spiritual/religious quest, than you'd better go elsewhere.

          5 out of 5 stars The Absolute Best Book Ever!!!.......1999-03-18

          This book is without question the greatest of the classics that I have ever read. Involving suspense, romance, death, and survival; it will lead you through one of greatest adventures of your life. I highly recommend it.

          5 out of 5 stars Very literary, a little melodramatic.......1999-01-22

          but the melodrama is due to the time period (such passions) wonderfull descriptive phrases. I found myself wondering about the accuracy of the tale but my copy is not indexed. It reminds me of The Kingdom of the Wicked by Burgess but is softer and more consistent.
          QUO VADIS.
          Average customer rating: Not rated
            QUO VADIS.
            Henryk Sienkiewicz.
            Manufacturer: International Collectors Library edition. 564p. Circa 1960.
            ProductGroup: Book
            Binding: Hardcover
            ASIN: B000ODZR5G
            19th Arizona Town Hall on Alcohol and Drugs - Quo Vadis? Research Report, Recommendations and List of Participants October 17-20, 1971
            Average customer rating: Not rated
              19th Arizona Town Hall on Alcohol and Drugs - Quo Vadis? Research Report, Recommendations and List of Participants October 17-20, 1971
              Arizona State University
              Manufacturer: Arizona Academy
              ProductGroup: Book
              Binding: Paperback
              ASIN: B000L3897M
              ?Adonde vas, Espana?: (Quo vadis, Hispania) : con un prefacio electoral para 1977 (Coleccion Textos ; 18)
              Average customer rating: Not rated
                ?Adonde vas, Espana?: (Quo vadis, Hispania) : con un prefacio electoral para 1977 (Coleccion Textos ; 18)
                Ramon Tamames
                Manufacturer: Editorial Planeta
                ProductGroup: Book
                Binding: Unknown Binding

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