Fortuna

Author: James Leslie-Melville (Trinity 1979)
Publisher: Book Guild
Deep in the mists of Greek mythology, Zeus wins dominion over the world by casting two ivory dice, unleashing the concept of chance. These fateful dice embark on a journey across Europe, shaping history over millennia. Passing through the hands of celebrated gamblers and other legendary figures, they influence pivotal events: the fall of Troy, Hannibal’s march on Rome, Robert the Bruce’s fight for Scottish independence, the sinking of the Titanic, and more. From Charles Martel’s defence of Frankia against the Moors to Henry VIII’s clash with queen and church, they leave their indelible mark on the continent before returning to the gods.
Fortuna is a sweeping tale of 4,000 years, exploring the tension between human choice and the whims of fate. Could European history have fallen another way? Roll the dice and find out.