JM

John Maddox Roberts

12quotes

Full Name and Common Aliases


John Maddox Roberts is a pen name used by American author Daniel Dening.

Birth and Death Dates


Born on January 11, 1933, in New York City, USA.

Nationality and Profession(s)


American Author, Writer of Historical Fiction, Mystery Novelist

Early Life and Background


Daniel Dening was born in New York to a family of modest means but with strong literary inclinations. His parents valued education and encouraged his interest in literature from an early age. Roberts grew up in a period marked by significant historical events, including the Great Depression and World War II. These experiences likely influenced his writing style, focusing on character-driven narratives set against historically rich backgrounds.

Major Accomplishments


Roberts made significant contributions to the mystery genre through his long-running series featuring Marcus Didius Falco, a Roman investigator living in Imperial Rome during 1-2 AD. This series includes Masquerade, A Fearsome Doubt, and others that garnered attention from readers worldwide for their meticulous historical research and engaging mysteries.

Notable Works or Actions


Roberts' work spans multiple genres, including mystery, historical fiction, and science fiction. His writing often explores the lives of people living in times past, focusing on lesser-known periods and figures while maintaining strong storylines that keep readers invested.

Some notable works include:
- The Marcus Didius Falco series, where he masterfully weaves Roman history into intricate mysteries.
- The Spy Who Loved, a historical novel examining the intersection of espionage and personal relationships during World War II.

Impact and Legacy


Roberts' writing has left an enduring impact on readers and writers alike. His ability to transport readers through meticulously researched settings, combined with his keen insight into human nature, has made him a respected figure in literary circles. The depth he brings to lesser-known historical periods continues to captivate readers, broadening the appeal of genres like mystery and historical fiction.

Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered


Daniel Dening, writing under the name John Maddox Roberts, is widely quoted for his masterful blend of history and intrigue. His ability to craft compelling mysteries set against richly detailed historical backgrounds has earned him a dedicated readership across multiple continents. The depth and breadth of his research are not only evident in his novels but also serve as an inspiration to aspiring writers seeking to delve into historical fiction.

Throughout his career, John Maddox Roberts has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to storytelling that educates and entertains. His legacy serves as a testament to the enduring power of literature to transport us through time, enrich our understanding of history, and challenge our perceptions of human nature.

Quotes by John Maddox Roberts

One wouldn’t want to consult with foreign snakes.
"
One wouldn’t want to consult with foreign snakes.
JM
About seven hundred years ago, a pack of bandits arrived in central Italy, led by two brothers named Romulus and Remus. They despoiled the nearby peoples of land and women and set up their own little bandit state. At some point, Romulus established a fine old Roman tradition by murdering his brother. Had it been the other way around, I suppose we might now be living in a city named Reme.
"
About seven hundred years ago, a pack of bandits arrived in central Italy, led by two brothers named Romulus and Remus. They despoiled the nearby peoples of land and women and set up their own little bandit state. At some point, Romulus established a fine old Roman tradition by murdering his brother. Had it been the other way around, I suppose we might now be living in a city named Reme.
JM
This led to a discussion of whether volcanoes were really the fires from Vulcan’s forge or some sort of natural phenomenon, like storms and floods. I was of the latter opinion, because Vulcan is reputed to be the greatest of smiths and I doubt he would let his fires get out of control.
"
This led to a discussion of whether volcanoes were really the fires from Vulcan’s forge or some sort of natural phenomenon, like storms and floods. I was of the latter opinion, because Vulcan is reputed to be the greatest of smiths and I doubt he would let his fires get out of control.
JM
Pugilism is the silliest of all combat arts. It consists of taking the human hand, with its multitude of tiny, frangible bones, and smashing it against the human skull, a most unyielding target.
"
Pugilism is the silliest of all combat arts. It consists of taking the human hand, with its multitude of tiny, frangible bones, and smashing it against the human skull, a most unyielding target.
JM
At this time, about the only thing that was still regarded as perverted was a public display of affection toward one’s wife.
"
At this time, about the only thing that was still regarded as perverted was a public display of affection toward one’s wife.
JM
Think nothing of it,” I said. “We’ve all wanted to kill Clodius from time to time.
"
Think nothing of it,” I said. “We’ve all wanted to kill Clodius from time to time.
JM
Look out!” Julia cried. “he has a snake! And he’ll use it!
"
Look out!” Julia cried. “he has a snake! And he’ll use it!
JM
One forced to live in surroundings that might have been devised by Plato must seek relief and an outlet for the human urges despised by philosophers. Wickedness and debauchery may not be the only answers, but they are certainly the ones with the widest appeal.
"
One forced to live in surroundings that might have been devised by Plato must seek relief and an outlet for the human urges despised by philosophers. Wickedness and debauchery may not be the only answers, but they are certainly the ones with the widest appeal.
JM
The Claudians,” I observed, “are a family of insane hereditary criminals.
"
The Claudians,” I observed, “are a family of insane hereditary criminals.
JM
At least, when the great Temple of Jupiter had burned twenty years before, Sulla had had the good taste to restore it to its original design and condition. They don’t make tyrants like Sulla anymore.
"
At least, when the great Temple of Jupiter had burned twenty years before, Sulla had had the good taste to restore it to its original design and condition. They don’t make tyrants like Sulla anymore.
JM
Showing 1 to 10 of 12 results