The Eagle of The Ninth

The Eagle of the Ninth has been heralded as one of the most outstanding children's books of the 20th century and it has sold over a million copies worldwide. This special edition marks the 50th anniversary of the original release of this remarkable book by Rosemary Sutcliff, one of the most highly respected authors of children's literature.

Marcus Flavius Aquila, a young centurion is forced into retirement after a wound in his first major engagement against a rebel British tribe. It allows him the freedom to embark upon a dangerous mission to find out what happened to the Ninth Legion which, years before, disappeared in the savage lands of the Picts. Will he find out what happened to the men, led by his father, who never returned? And will he recover the Eagle, the symbol of Roman dominance and power?

Rosemary Sutcliff's books about Roman Britain have won much acclaim. She writes with such passion and with such attention to detail that the Roman age is instantly brought to life and stays with the reader long after the last page has been turned.