Another in a series of superb biographies of ancient leaders, G. P. Baker tackles the life and times of Gaius Octavius Augustus (63 B.C.-14 A.D.), first emperor of Rome and founder of a Roman state that endured for centuries. Physically weak and plagued by ill health, he was only eighteen years old when Julius Caesar's assassination thrust him, as his uncle's chief heir and adopted son, into the forefront of the subsequent political and military turmoil. This book details his ruthless path to power, in which he outmaneuvered and outfought such rivals as Cassius, Brutus, Lepidus, Mark Anthony, and Cleopatra. Augustus embodied and represented the tremendous currents that transformed Rome from a small Italian city situated on the Tiber River to a powerful empire that bestrode the known world as no other colossus ever had. Augustus was astute and artful enough to balance republican traditions with imperial realities, skillfully maintaining the delicate façade to achieve his goals, so that, late in life, he could rightfully claim, "I left Rome a city of marble, though I found it a city of bricks."
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Book Description
Editorial Reviews
From Library Journal
Released in 1937 and 1929, respectively, Baker's biographical survey of ancient military leaders continues. Augustus was propelled into the leadership of Rome at the age of 18 following the hastened demise of his uncle Julius Caesar. He proved ambitious and ruthless beyond his years, but to his credit he did create a Roman state that lasted for centuries. Hannibal was no piker either, and Baker offers information on the Carthaginian ruler surpassing the standard elephants-crossing-the-Alps story.
Copyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Copyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Review
A work of sound historical scholarship and first-rate reading. (New York Times )
[This] book has much solid value. Baker knows his authorities, can throw light where it is most needed, whether on ancient usages or on the gaps in the ancient record, and tells his story with conviction and effect. … Baker's portrait of Augustus the man is judicious. He does not smooth out the unpleasant traits or gloss over the weakness and the failures. (Times Literary Supplement )
[This] book has much solid value. Baker knows his authorities, can throw light where it is most needed, whether on ancient usages or on the gaps in the ancient record, and tells his story with conviction and effect. … Baker's portrait of Augustus the man is judicious. He does not smooth out the unpleasant traits or gloss over the weakness and the failures. (Times Literary Supplement )
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2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
Interesting, but...,
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This review is from: Augustus: The Golden Age of Rome (Paperback)
The book was interresting. However, it emphasizes mostly his youth and rise to Princeps. His entire career after the death of Marcus Antonius is much too brief. Also, there's too much stuff on M. Antonius which makes this book a kind of dual-biography.His complex and long relationship with Livia could have been described more. I preferred his other books (Sulla, Tiberius).
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