The Annals of Tacitus: Volume 2, Annals 1.55-81 and Annals 2 (Cambridge Classical Texts and Commentaries) [Paperback]

Tacitus (Author), F. R. D. Goodyear (Editor)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0521604338 | ISBN-13: 978-0521604338 | Publication Date: May 20, 2004

This book is the second volume of one of Professor Goodyear's greatest works of Latin literature and one of the most important sources for the history of the Roman Empire. His edition is accompanied by a major commentary which deals fully with textual, linguistic, literary, and historical matters. Every question is examined afresh. The discussion ranges widely, but not loosely. It is the editor's aim to explain Tacitus as a whole, not just particular features of his writing. The task he has undertaken is very large for there is a vast amount which needs explanation in the subject-matter and in its presentation. The results should benefit students of Latin literature and Roman history equally.

Editorial Reviews

Book Description

The second volume includes a major commentary which deals fully with textual, linguistic, literary, and historical matters. Every question is examined afresh. The discussion ranges widely, but not loosely. It is the editor's aim to explain Tacitus as a whole, not just particular features of his writing.

Product Details

• Paperback: 500 pages
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press (May 20, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0521604338
• ISBN-13: 978-0521604338
• Product Dimensions: 5.5 x 8.5 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.5 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,664,425 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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5.0 out of 5 stars Definitive Primary Source On the History Of Imperial Roman, December 15, 2007

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Michael A Neulander "Political Philosophy" (VA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Annals of Tacitus: Volume 2, Annals 1.55-81 and Annals 2 (Cambridge Classical Texts and Commentaries) (Paperback)

I read this book for a graduate course in Roman history. It is an indispensable primary source for students of Roman history.

On the first page of his Annals of Imperial Rome, Tacitus wrote that Octavian "seduced the army with bonuses, and his cheap food policy was successful bait for civilians." Tacitus' description of Augustus' transformation of Rome from a republic into an empire is most illuminating as well. "Upper-class survivors found that slavish obedience was the way to succeed, both politically and financially. They had profited from the revolution, and so now they liked the security of the existing arrangement better than the dangerous uncertainties of the old regime."

Sir Ronald Syme relied heavily on the work of Tacitus for his cogent narrative of Octavian's rise to power as Augustus. Syme's in-depth study of Tacitus' life and work was published in 1958. Tacitus' historical accuracy was doubted for centuries and Syme made a project of re-evaluating the accuracy of his historical writings. Syme believed that Tacitus was in a unique position to write about the birth and early political history of the Imperial period in Rome due to his very active political life. Tacitus had served as a senator, consul, and proconsul of Asia. In addition, he was known to be an excellent orator in his day. In his writings, Syme believed that Tacitus provided excellent accounts of Augustus' rise to power and his career as Rome's first Emperor.

Tacitus delved into the machinery of the new government, including Augustus' use of patronage as well as his many thwarted attempts at planning for his own succession. What Syme found was a man that grew very adept politically and whose political maturity rapidly developed at an early age. At eighteen, he was named as heir to Julius Caesar. He grew into the greatest Roman princeps spanning fifty-six years until his death. Augustus knew that to retain power he had to maintain the general consent of the governed. He astutely maintained order not by following the constitution or past precedent, but by using the tremendous resources at his disposal. Augustus kept the plebeians in check making sure they were fed, kept them amused with games, and constantly reminded them that he was protecting them from the oppression of the nobiles.

Augustus became the "leader of a large and well organized political party as the source and fount of patronage and advancement."

Recommended reading for those interested in Roman history, military history.