Antonina, or, The fall of Rome

Wilkie Collins

The author draws on historical accounts of the final days of Rome and adds fictional characters and details to bring the time to life in more of a vignette form rather than a novel. Chapters include an account of the instigation of the conflict between Rome and the Goths; contrast between the rich and the poor; conflict between Christian and pagan worshippers; view of the weak emperor Honorius; and an account of the misfortunes of the girl Antonina.