The Roman emperors were the men who wielded power over the vast empire stretching from Britain to the Sahara and from the Atlantic to the Euphrates -- one of the greatest multiracial states the world has ever known. Almost two thousand years later, it is no easy task to reconstruct the truth about the careers and characters of these controversial, often extraordinary individuals.
Michael Grant brings together ancient writings, coins, medallions, inscriptions, and archaeology to help fill many of the tantalizing gaps in our knowledge. He portrays great men such as Augustus, the first Roman princeps, or emperor, and one of the most talented, energetic, and skillful administrators the world has ever known; Claudius, a suspicious and fearful man who ruled with a curious mixture of progressive broadmindedness and antiquarian pedantry; and Aurelian, Diocletian, Constantine, and other emperors who decisively directed the course of events in their times. The result is a magnificent collection of biographical cameos, illustrated throughout with ancient contemporary portraits. Remarkable for its breadth of coverage and eloquent, readable style, The Roman Emperors will become a standard work of reference for students and a treasured addition to the collections of all enthusiastic readers of history.
Michael Grant is the cocreator and cowriter of the bestselling middle-grade science fiction series Animorphs and Everworld. He lives in California with his wife, Katherine Applegate, and their two children.
Anonymous
Posted May 1, 2013
Incorrect author is listed under "Meet the Author", Michael Grant the classicist and historian died in 2004.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.This book helped me considerably when studying or reading Roman history. Often authors will mention an Emperor only vaguely. This book has allowed me to get a very concise and to the point history of all Roman Emperors that come to my attention. I would recommend this book as a study guide, not as a good read.
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Posted July 25, 2008
worth reading every page.these leaders range from the bizarre to the brilliant.a good study into the psychology and dynamism of leadership.
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Posted April 10, 2007
With a book describing so many different people, one might expect information to be in some parts acking. With this book, that is not the case. Quality was not sacrificed for quantity in this wonderful recount of the history of Roman emperors. Of every emperor I was given a full biography,which included military achievements, architectural accomplishments, political reforms, and so much more.I feel as though I know all there is to know about the Roman empire after reading this book.
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Posted February 12, 2007
For the lay reader as well as the historian, the reader will enjoy practically all of this book. Grant mentions American Presidents at the beginning of his remarkable survey, but only to illustrate the broad differences in American leaders and leaders of Ancient Rome, who were unique, brilliant, perverse, and in complete control of all governmental affairs. An extraordinary peek into a long gone world, hardly similiar to our own.
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Posted June 18, 2000
I wholeheartedly agree with L. Troy Beals' review. This is a fantastic overview of the Roman Emperors and their era. I highly recommend it whether you are a history enthusiast or just studying the period. Mr. Grant did a fine job of making this compelling read.
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Posted December 14, 1999
Often the best test of a book is if it creates a desire in the reader to learn more about the subject. This book does just that. The biographies of each emperor give not only information about thier lives, but the times in which they lived. I found myself wanting to know more about these men who ruled Rome.
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Overview
The Roman emperors were the men who wielded power over the vast empire stretching from Britain to the Sahara and from the Atlantic to the Euphrates -- one of the greatest multiracial states the world has ever known. Almost two...