Product Description

Tacitus' Annals of Imperial Rome recount the major historical events from the years shortly before the death of Augustus up to the death of Nero in AD 68. With clarity and vivid intensity he describes the reign of terror under the corrupt Tiberius, the great fire of Rome during the time of Nero, and the wars, poisonings, scandals, conspiracies and murders that were part of imperial life. Despite his claim that the Annals were written objectively, Tacitus' account is sharply critical of the emperors' excesses and fearful for the future of Imperial Rome, while also filled with a longing for its past glories.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #27128 in Books
• Published on: 2003-06-26
• Original language: Latin
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 464 pages

About the Author
Tacitus studied rhetoric in Rome and rose to eminence as a pleader at the Roman Bar. In 77 he married the daughter of Agricola, conqueror of Britain, of whom he later wrote a biography. His other works includethe Germania and the Historiae. Michael Grant's academic titles include Chancellor's Medallist and Fellow of Trinity College, Cambridge, and President of the Classical Association.

Customer Reviews

Fatal flaw in translation
For all the merits of Michael Grant as a sholar and translator, it is utterly unpalatable to refer to a Roman legion as a "brigade" or a "division"; to a centurion as "company commander" or "junior staff officer"; or to a pro-consul or a legate as "governor". If one wished to read about these positions, one would naturally read books on Generals Lee, Grant or Patton! This point has taken all the enjoyment out of reading a classical writer of the stature of Tacitus. I am now awaiting the publication of Professor A J Woodman's translation, due later this year, hoping that he will understand that anyone wishing to read the Annals would expect some faithfulness to the Latin terms..

Peter
This is a must for history students and buffs alike. In fact is is a great read full stop! Many books of this genre are dry but Tacitus takes you there and his commentary is both concise, and at times caustic and witty.

An in-depth coverage of Rome under first emperors
Tacitus (ca 56-120) was not only great contemporary historian but the statesman who earned both consulship (AD 97) and governorship (AD 112). So he was uniquely positioned to give us the overview of the intricate behind the scene manoeuvering and back-stabbing of the Roman politics.

The "Annals" can not give the smooth account of historical events as some parts of the original book are missing. Nevertheless the book gives us superb picture of the life of Roman rulers with all the benefits and anxieties that come with the position.

The excellent translation of Mr Michael Grant makes the book easily readable.