The First Emperor: Caesar Augustus and the Triumph of Rome

The First Emperor: Caesar Augustus and the Triumph of Rome

by Anthony Everitt (Author)

Synopsis

Caesar Augustus is one of the most fascinating figures in history. Plucked as teenager from provincial obscurity by his great-uncle Julius Caesar, who adopted him posthumously in his will, Augustus transformed the chaotic Republic into an orderly imperial autocracy. His consolidation of the Roman empire arguably laid the foundations of Europe.Although a sickly young man, with a tendency to fall seriously ill at moments of crisis, Augustus taught himself to be brave and was intelligent, painstaking and patient. He worked extraordinarily hard, and, within a generation, had rebuilt Rome, transforming it into a splendid metropolis and centre for civil government and the arts. In this dynamic and engaging biography, Anthony Everitt uncovers the deeply human character of this extraordinary man. It is also an exhilarating portrait of Roman social customs and politics.

$3.25

Save:$28.15 (90%)

Quantity

2 in stock

More Information

Format: Hardcover
Pages: 432
Edition: First Edition
Publisher: John Murray
Published: 05 Oct 2006

ISBN 10: 0719554942
ISBN 13: 9780719554940

Media Reviews
* 'An engrossing book... Everitt brings [Cicero] alive, making hima credible as well as a remarkable figure' - Allan Massie, Literary Review * 'Unobtrusively crammed with fascinating information about Roman life and customs, splendidly clear and coherent in its narrative and altogether convincing in its portraiture' - Sunday Independent * '[Anthony Everitt's] achievement is to have replaced the austere classroom effigy with an altogether rounder, more awkward and human person' - Financial Times * 'Excellent... Cicero comes across much as he must have lived: reflective... charming and rather vain... Everitt does a good job of bringing Cicero and his age to life' - The Wall Street Journal * '[Everitt makes] his subject - brilliant, vain, principled, opportunistic and courageous - come to life after two millennia' - The Washington Post * 'Gripping... Everitt combines a classical education with practical expertise... He writes fluidly' - New York Times
Author Bio
Anthony Everitt was Deputy Secretary-General of the Arts Council from 1985 to 1990, and Secretary-General until 1994. He is the author of the acclaimed biography CICERO: A TURBULENT LIFE, also published by John Murray.