The Annals of Imperial Rome
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Product Description
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.
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.
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First Sentence
WHEN Rome was first a city, its rulers were kings. Read the first page
Front Cover | Copyright | Table of Contents | Excerpt | Index | Back Cover
WHEN Rome was first a city, its rulers were kings. Read the first page
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Front Cover | Copyright | Table of Contents | Excerpt | Index | Back Cover
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
6 of 6 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
I must agree with some of the other reviewers who note the annoying habit of Grant to use division, brigade and colonel instead of the Roman terms which of course are now in common use. Other than that Grant is an excellent translator, see for example his numerous other books on Roman history/Emperors. Thankfully, these terms are defined in an appendix.
This book by Tacitus much like his other "Histories" approaches the subject in the same way which varies considerably from the more light hearted approach of "Agricola and the Germania". However, unlike the Histories, Tacitus does not yet give the overwhelming impression of an Empire which is degrading and falling apart at the moral seams. This impression is present strongly throughout the Histories. Instead, in this fascinating journey through the times of Tiberius, Claudius and Nero extending from the dates: 14-66 AD we are presented not only with the lives of the Emperors but also some of the knights and senators who played a role in the affairs of the time. In addition, there are numerous excerpts about events which take place on the frontier e.g. the revolt in Germania and the revenge of the Teutoburger Forest disaster and remarkably enough a very interesting account of the Royal family and trouble on the Eastern frontier with Parthia.
I am always fascinated by Tacitus's ability to make the barbarians seem like Romans, they often have Roman names and Roman weaknesses such as greed and corruption, it brings them closer to the Romans as human beings rather than alienating them. Here again we are met with the bravery and courage of the ordinary Roman soldier much as it was described by Caesar in his Gaulish Wars. The legionary has lost none of his stalwartness and stoic characteristics e.g. "The Germans were as brave as our men ..." (p 86). Tacitus speaks glowingly of Germanicus and rather disparagingly of Tiberius who he considers an emperor lacking in moral fibre. It is interesting to note his favouritism for certain people such as Germanicus and to some degree Claudius and his strong bias against both Tiberius and Nero (who no doubt deserved this).
It too is unfortunate that some of his works were lost which of course interferes with the flow of the account and interrupts the reader's concentration. Nonetheless, Tacitus is a brilliant hostorian writing in an entertaining style, in spite of his bias, thereby describing the time well rather than presenting a series of facts lacking a sense of place and culture.
Excellent as usual.
This book by Tacitus much like his other "Histories" approaches the subject in the same way which varies considerably from the more light hearted approach of "Agricola and the Germania". However, unlike the Histories, Tacitus does not yet give the overwhelming impression of an Empire which is degrading and falling apart at the moral seams. This impression is present strongly throughout the Histories. Instead, in this fascinating journey through the times of Tiberius, Claudius and Nero extending from the dates: 14-66 AD we are presented not only with the lives of the Emperors but also some of the knights and senators who played a role in the affairs of the time. In addition, there are numerous excerpts about events which take place on the frontier e.g. the revolt in Germania and the revenge of the Teutoburger Forest disaster and remarkably enough a very interesting account of the Royal family and trouble on the Eastern frontier with Parthia.
I am always fascinated by Tacitus's ability to make the barbarians seem like Romans, they often have Roman names and Roman weaknesses such as greed and corruption, it brings them closer to the Romans as human beings rather than alienating them. Here again we are met with the bravery and courage of the ordinary Roman soldier much as it was described by Caesar in his Gaulish Wars. The legionary has lost none of his stalwartness and stoic characteristics e.g. "The Germans were as brave as our men ..." (p 86). Tacitus speaks glowingly of Germanicus and rather disparagingly of Tiberius who he considers an emperor lacking in moral fibre. It is interesting to note his favouritism for certain people such as Germanicus and to some degree Claudius and his strong bias against both Tiberius and Nero (who no doubt deserved this).
It too is unfortunate that some of his works were lost which of course interferes with the flow of the account and interrupts the reader's concentration. Nonetheless, Tacitus is a brilliant hostorian writing in an entertaining style, in spite of his bias, thereby describing the time well rather than presenting a series of facts lacking a sense of place and culture.
Excellent as usual.
65 of 77 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
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..
10 of 12 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
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.
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.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
Not for academic students
I bought this as an aid to my course studies, and I was horrified to find that the paragraph numbers (the common means of referencing in academic studies) had been removed. Read more
Published 1 month ago by Madness
Excellent paperback by Tacitus, the famous Roman historian
This book, that was secondhand, was in excellent condition and arrived extremely promptly. It comprises a fascinating history of certain aspects of the Roman Empire many of which... Read more
Published 6 months ago by Ms. S. S. Goudge
Rome
This is a good book and most enjoyable. Coupled with Seutonius and Pliny the Younger it gives us an insight into Rome as she really was! Read more
Published 15 months ago by Graham Herriott
flawed translation
I was horrified to find `brigades` and `divisions` and `company commanders` in the translation. Grant might be a great historian, but this is NOT the Tacitus translation you want... Read more
Published 18 months ago by B. Santa
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... Read more
Published on 8 Sep 2002
Thorough but dry
Tacitus doesn't have the storytelling talent of Livy and this book can be a little dry, however the subject matter is interesting and the coverage thorough. Read more
Published on 17 July 2002
Quite excellent in parts
An excellent insight into Roman life at the height of the Empire. Sadly, large parts have been lost, but the material remaining breathes life into Tacitus' accounts of the lives of... Read more
Published on 14 Mar 2002 by Dinosaur Sr.
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