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The Pelagius Book

by Paul Morgan

To be launched by Bob Sessions, AM, former Publishing Director of Penguin Australia, at Readings, State Library of Victoria, 6:30 pm 13 August 2026. Rrp $29.99.

This new edition of Paul Morgan’s acclaimed novel is as relevant to today’s troubled world as to the Roman Empire where it takes place.

‘Storytelling of simplicity and clarity, with a complex psychological and philosophical undertow.’ Peter Goldsworthy

‘Very stylish and fluent writing.’ David Malouf

Based on a real-life figure – the philosopher Pelagius – The Pelagius Book is set in the fifth century as the Roman Empire begins to collapse.

The era was like our own, marked by religious zealotry, barbarity, and a horror of foreigners invading from other parts of the world. One man, the British-born Pelagius, dares to challenge the prevailing fears and anxiety with a humanist message of reason and hope.

This message soon develops into a movement which sweeps across the Empire. Although Pelagius’ secretary, Celestius, implores him to write down his beliefs, he refuses. When Rome falls at last, Pelagius is betrayed and hunted as a heretic. Only Celestius is left to tell the tale. In the process he discovers the most valuable lesson of all . . .

This exquisitely-written story, a parable for modern times, ends on a note of hope that is as relevant in the twenty-first century as it was in the fifth.

'Could easily invite comparison with … David Malouf's An Imaginary Life: it is a story of epic proportions told by a literary minimalist.' Simon Caterson, The Australian

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