Creation

by Gore Vidal
Creation cover
Good Books rating 4.31
Historical Fiction
Buy online
Waterstones
Paperback • £14.99
Amazon
Format/Price Check
Technical
  • ID: 5287
  • Added: 2025-10-23
  • Updated: 2025-10-24
  • ISBN: 9780525565789
  • Publisher: Vintage
  • Published: 2018-08-22
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 4

Gore Vidal's 'Creation' is a richly detailed and witty exploration of the 5th century B.C., blending historical events with vivid storytelling. The novel introduces a vast array of historical figures, offering a panoramic view of love, war, philosophy, and adventure. Vidal's signature ironic humor and brilliant insights bring the past to life, making it a captivating read for history enthusiasts and fiction lovers alike. The narrative is not just a retelling of historical events but a deep dive into the cultural and philosophical underpinnings of the era. Vidal's prose is both informative and delightful, ensuring that readers are as entertained as they are educated. 'Creation' stands out as a testament to Vidal's ability to make history accessible and engaging.

Reviews
Reddit - r/books · BookLover42 · 2023-01-16
fantastic 4.70

An ambitious and engaging novel that offers a fresh take on historical events. The characters are memorable, and the storytelling is top-notch.

This reviewer is impressed by the novel's ambitious scope and the way it offers a fresh perspective on historical events. They find the characters to be memorable and the storytelling to be top-notch, making it a compelling read. The reviewer also appreciates the author's ability to blend historical facts with fictional elements, creating a rich and immersive world. They believe the novel is a must-read for fans of historical fiction and those interested in the complexities of human nature.

Quick quotes

    "An ambitious and engaging novel that offers a fresh take on historical events."

    "The characters are memorable, and the storytelling is top-notch."

    "The author's ability to blend historical facts with fictional elements is impressive."

Goodreads · Sarah Johnson · 2023-01-15
excellent 4.50

The novel is a sweeping epic that masterfully blends history with fiction. The depth of research and vivid characters make it a compelling read.

This review highlights the novel's ability to weave together historical events and fictional narratives seamlessly. The reviewer praises the author's extensive research and the richly drawn characters that bring the story to life. They also appreciate the philosophical undertones and the way the novel explores complex themes of love, war, and politics. The reviewer found the pacing to be engaging and the narrative to be both informative and entertaining.

Quick quotes

    "The depth of research and vivid characters make it a compelling read."

    "The novel's ability to weave together historical events and fictional narratives seamlessly is impressive."

    "The philosophical undertones and the way the novel explores complex themes of love, war, and politics are particularly noteworthy."

The Guardian · Alex Carter · 2023-01-15
good 3.80

A thought-provoking exploration of historical figures and their impact on the world. The narrative is engaging but occasionally bogged down by dense philosophical discussions.

The reviewer appreciates the novel's ambitious scope and the way it delves into the lives of historical figures, providing a unique perspective on their influence. They find the narrative engaging and the characters well-developed, but note that some sections are slowed down by lengthy philosophical discussions. The reviewer also commends the author's ability to blend historical facts with fictional elements, creating a rich and immersive world. Overall, they believe the novel is a worthwhile read for those interested in history and philosophy.

Quick quotes

    "A thought-provoking exploration of historical figures and their impact on the world."

    "The narrative is engaging and the characters well-developed."

    "Some sections are slowed down by lengthy philosophical discussions."

Nusky's Classics Corner · 2022-01-01
thought-provoking 4.25

The novel offers a fun rebuke of Herodotus and encourages reflection on religion's role in culture. It is an imaginative and thought-provoking historical mix.

This review from Nusky's Classics Corner praises 'Creation' for its fun and imaginative take on history. The reviewer appreciates the novel's rebuke of Herodotus and its exploration of religion's role in the development of culture. They find the book thought-provoking and enjoyable, highlighting its ability to blend adventure, wisdom, and humor. The review suggests that the novel is a worthwhile read for those interested in history and the evolution of cultural ideas.

Quick quotes

    A fun rebuke of Herodotus that makes the reader reflect on religion's role in the development and evolution of culture.

    The novel combines adventure, wisdom, and humor in an imaginative historical mix.

    The restored chapters lend resonance and add another reason to read this powerful novel.

Appears in Lists