Initially I bought this book as a reference work and companion for my readings in Roman history. However, not only is this an excellent reference book in its own right with concise biographies and excellent layout, it is very readable as a work of history itself. While I'm not advocating a start to finish read of this book, I have found that if one looks up one entry the cross-referencing system employed leads one to look up several more "connected" entries. Beware as this can become addictive. I've since purchased the Greek companion volume and can also recommend this book by the same author very highly.