Product Description

From a pre-eminent biographer in the field, this well-documented and illustrated biography examines the life and time of the emperor Vespasian and challenges the validity of his perennial good reputation and universally acknowledged achievements.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #495326 in Books
• Published on: 2005-06-23
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 356 pages

From the Back Cover

From a pre-eminent biographer in the field, this well-documented and illustrated biography examines the life and time of the emperor Vespasian and challenges the validity of his perennial good reputation and universally acknowledged achievements.

Examining received opinions on Vespasian, Barbara Levick examines how this plebeian and uncharismatic Emperor restored peace and confidence to Rome and ensured a smooth succession.

Outlining how he gained military experience and political skills, Levick goes on to explore how Vespasian coped with the military, political and economic problems of his reign, and his evaluation of the solutions to these problems, before she finally examines his posthumous reputation.

Part of the bestselling Roman Imperial Biographies series, Vespasian will engage, enthral and inform both students of classical studies and history, and the general classical enthusiast alike.

Customer Reviews

An excellent and thorough study
As usual, Levick has been meticulous in her research and this is reflected in the quality and depth of the work. This is much better than some of the really average recent biographies of Roman emperors. It should be important reading for all students of Vespasian and his times. If there are any criticisms then its that Levick is not the most dynamic and interesting of writers but do not let that put you off the fact that this is an excellent piece of scholarly study by someone who clearly knows the subject well.