The Dream of Scipio

The Dream of Scipio by Iain Pears is a historical novel that explores three distinct periods in Western civilization: the collapse of the Roman Empire, the Black Death, and World War II. The narrative follows three men—Manlius Hippomanes, Olivier de Noyen, and Julien Barneuve—each facing ethical dilemmas and personal struggles, all linked by a text called 'The Dream of Scipio'.

The novel delves into themes of civilization, virtue, and the human condition.