The hero of Thomas Fuller's new book walks around while asking one big question after another—what is truth, what is beauty, what is justice—on his journey through the classical world. Along the way he comes into contact with people—a cave guide in the ancient city of Matera, a taxi cab driver in Naples, the imperious owner of a grand hotel in Rome, among others—so modern they're ancient and so ancient they're modern. When he ditches his male sidekick for a female muse, the trip takes on an entirely different dimension, as our hero edges closer and closer and closer to asking the oldest philosophical question in the world: what is the best way to live one's life, knowing there's no right answer. Tender, funny, profane, outrageous, THE CLASSICAL WORLD is a quixotic excursion for which there's no tour guide other than the self.
The Classical World is illustrated with original collage artwork and color and black and white photographs.
Thomas Fuller is the prose pen name of Brooks Roddan. He lives and works in San Francisco where he writes every day, enjoys making small-scale paintings and collage, and operates IF SF Publishing, leaving town as often as possible to his cabin in upstate Wyoming where nothing is expected of him.
"This is one of the most interesting and introspective novels I've ever read! Honestly the book blurb does NOT do it justice at all. In a field loaded with generic copycats, Thomas Fuller brought a fresh attitude and literary style and makes this unique story all his own and doesn't just rehash the same old plotlines we've seen a million times before which makes this book pretty amazing. I've read so much that I'm rarely surprised by anything anymore and its not like there were 'crazy plot twists' here because its not that type of novel, the whole time as I was reading I had no clue where I t was headed next, and I liked that. . I appreciated the descriptive details that brought the story to life – authentic world building (and character development) is absolutely crucial in selling a story like this – when you have elements of the real world and history infused with the storyline - and it is done quite nicely here. I Recommend for anyone who wants a unique, character-driven self-adventure story with quirky characters and heartwarming poignancy." - Karen Matthews
"An enchanting read that I finished quickly. 'The Classical World' is a compelling journey of the mind, heart, and soul and the places around the world where the past comes to life in profound and unexpected ways. I almost feel like I was actually there with Jane in Italy and seeing these wonderful attractions that have historical and cultural significance. Thomas Fuller has a talent for turning a what could be an 'ordinary' story about traveling or visiting foreign destinations with friends on its head with fascinating characterizations and beautiful prose and a broad range spectrum of the world – classical and modern combined.. This was a lovely story that has a bit of everything I like: and I feel like I even learned some thing as well. My heart needed this ifsfone. " - APRIL DAWN
