Diocletian and the Roman Recovery (Roman Imperial Biographies) [Paperback]

Stephen Williams (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0415918278 | ISBN-13: 978-0415918275 | Publication Date: December 10, 1996 | Edition: Reprint

Stephen Williams's book is the first biography of Diocletian to appear in English. It combines the historical narrative of his remarkable reign and those of his fellow-emperors, with a chapter-by-chapter study of each of the great problems he faced, the interlocking solutions he evolved to meet them, and the longer term results. It is both a portrait of one of Rome's greatest and most original rulers, and a political study in the emergence of Absolutism.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Stephen Williams is not a professional Roman historian, but he is certainly an expert, and his view of Diocletian is original and convincing. ... [He] is an equitable and balanced historian and I think one can rely on him." -- Peter Levi

"This biography is never dull, for the author writes with considerable style, and he has the ability to turn a neat phrase." -- James E. Seaver History Reviews of New Books

"This is the first biography of Diocletian in English and is written both for students of history and politics and for general readers." -- The Bloomsbury Review USE

"[Williams] has performed a valuable service for the profession as well as for the general reader ... his judgment of particular matters is invariably sound, and the book is a well-written synthesis." -- American Historical Review USE

About the Author

Stephen Williams is a freelance writer. His most recent book is Theodosius: The Empire at Bay.

Product Details

• Paperback: 264 pages
• Publisher: Routledge; Reprint edition (December 10, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0415918278
• ISBN-13: 978-0415918275
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,080,088 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars LOTS of Information, May 13, 2003

By 

Matthew T Donaghue (Mound, MN 55364) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Diocletian and the Roman Recovery (Roman Imperial Biographies) (Paperback)

This is a well-written, fact-filled book that should be considered a must-read to any serious student of the Late Roman Empire. Diocletian has been given scant attention by Classical scholars but his stabilization of the Empire was vital for two reasons: it preserved the entire Empire for nearly 170 years after his retirement and laid the foundations for the Eastern Empire that survived until 1453 c.e.

There is also great attention given to Diocletian's separation of himself as Emperor from the Roman Army and Roman politicians. Williams lucidly points out this is the beginning of Western Civilization's "Divine Right of Kings," and the foundation of Medieval kingship. Diocletian established this separation order to secure his personal safety.

Diocletian's retirement is also given considerable attention. His retirement palace at Split is discussed in some detail. Also, the attempt of Galerius and Maximian to drag him back into politics, which he completely refused. Finally, the rather sad depiction of him as a marginalized relic who had to ask old army friends for favors in order to help secure temporary safety for his family (who were eventually murdered).

This is a great book but its great detail may overwhelm the arm-chair historian. Williams deserves many cudos for his work in bringing about the first English biography of Diocletian in some time.

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful, July 30, 2000

By 

Jeff Cordell - See all my reviews

This review is from: Diocletian and the Roman Recovery (Roman Imperial Biographies) (Paperback)

The first English language biography on Diocletion and a very well written one at that. Stephen Williams is not a professional Roman historian instead he is a professor of philosophy and therin lays the books strength. Williams writes for the enthusiastic Roman buff and the general reader. Instead of quoting ancient historians ad nauseum and going off on tangents he gets to the meat of the matter. How Diocletion and his fellow emperors were able to pull the empire back from total collapse. He gives detailed explanations as to what was occurring in the Empire during the 3rd Century and why. He isn't afraid to offer his own theories where our knowledge of events are sketchy and he always keeps the book moving along at a brisk pace. I especially enjoyed the final chapter where he covers the collapse of the Western Roman Empire in the fifth century. It's well written with a detailed description of what occurred and why. He also contrast the collapse of the West with the survival of the Eastern Empire. Wonderful book for the layman, student, and perhaps even the expert.

15 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An excellent read!, March 16, 2000

By 

Jeffrey Leach (Omaha, NE USA) - See all my reviews
(HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)    (VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Diocletian and the Roman Recovery (Roman Imperial Biographies) (Paperback)

I read this for my History of the Roman Empire class and found to be an excellent book. Williams has an exceptionally clear writing style that is very easy to follow. He uses both modern and classical sources to bring to life the reign of Diocletian, an Illyrian general who through sheer personality and military discipline was able to restore the old boundries of the Roman Empire. Williams' explanations of the economic reforms of Diocletian, as well as the restructuring of the old Roman provinces into military diocese that were able to contain the unromanized barbarians is the best explanation of these events I've read. I checked this book out from the library and I'm still considering buying a copy, I enjoyed it so much. If only all history books were this well written!