[A Pillar of Iron is an] astonishingly powerful novel based on the life of Cicero. Miss Caldwell obviously admires the great orator, practically making him a pre-Christian Christian; she glosses over his faults, extols his virtues. Had she shortened some of the scenes and in general been less wordy, she might have had room for a more comprehensive treatment of Cicero's entire life. But even so, she has made his stirring times real.

William B. Hill, in his review of "A Pillar of Iron," in America (reprinted with permission of America Press, Inc.; © 1965; all rights reserved), Vol. 113, No. 22, November 27, 1965, p. 688.