A Scandalous History of the Roman Emperors

by Anthony Blond

Book Overview

Warts and all, Rome's five most illustrious emperors march boldly and baldly through the pages of this eye-opening account of the successors to Julius Caesar. In their wake follow the glories and the... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0786707593
• ISBN13: 9780786707591
• Release Date: July 2000
• Publisher: Basic Books
• Length: 256 Pages
• Weight: 0.45 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 5.1" x 7.8"

Customer Reviews

Hilarious Introduction to the Early Roman Empire

Isn't the title of the book a dead giveaway? Whether or not the author selected it himself or it was tagged on at the publisher's request, the title should tell you that this is NOT a serious scholarly work. At the same time, it is apparent that Anthony Blond knows his subject matter well: He just wanted to have some fun. I picked up this book to read for fun and actually learned quite a bit I didn't already know from Michael Grant, Tacitus, or Suetonius.The first chapter is about sex. That's another giveaway for the Hengist & Horsa crowd (q.v. Lewis Carroll) that tried to savage this book in their reviews. And it covers only the most interesting emperors. Oh, I suppose he could have gone on with chapters on Galba, Otho, and Vitellius -- but, after all, they didn't last long enough to make an impression, did they? This is a good starting point for someone who wants a quick survey of the subject without getting lost in the footnotes. Blond mentions some interesting secondary sources along the way, and has even interested me in seeking out Josephus, Martial and Juvenal. His send-up of Cicero as a corrupt slumlord was a new one on me: I guess I better read some of those letters to Atticus.You don't have to be dull to write about Roman history. Anthony Blond does a creditable job here and makes me want to read more of his work.

Hilarious but informative history--and fun!

This is a rare little work of history. All the facts of the lifes of the Roman Emperors are presented but in a witty and irreverent style unlike any other history book I have ever read. A great joy to read, hilariously funny and yet very informative. A great source of trivia as well! A great little book!

A witty introduction to the twelve Caesars....

A terrific book for anyone who is looking to learn more about the Roman "Caesars." Blond's style is sly, witty, informative. He covers the common fallacies associated with each emperor and clears up the more popular misconceptions. Additional chapters provide a brief, but useful, overview to the various aspects of daily Roman life and society. If you want serious, hearty, in-depth analysis of the emperors.... this may not be for you. However, if you want a well-written, fact-filled, easy reading introduction to the reign of the Caesars, then you want a copy of Blond's EMPERORS.

good reading

Anthony Blond's book A SCANDELOUS HISTORY OF THE ROMAN EMPERORS is a modern day version of Plutarch's biographies, or Suetonius'THE TWELVE CAESARS or Tacitus'THE ANNALS OF IMPERIAL ROME . Ill give it 5 stars it's filled with interesting stuff and it's a quick read.

Juicy and Educational

Fulfilling read. Intelligently written and entertaining. I feel I got a real sense of the inequity and degradation these emperors were involved in, as well as a good understanding of what society and life was like in general during this fascinating time. I'm inspired to read more on the subject.