On the whole though a good read and very informative.


Fatal flaw in translation   June 1, 2002
 45 out of 53 found this review helpful

For all the merits of Michael Grant as a sholar and translator, it is utterly unpalatable to refer to a Roman legion as a "brigade" or a "division"; to a centurion as "company commander" or "junior staff officer"; or to a pro-consul or a legate as "governor". If one wished to read about these positions, one would naturally read books on Generals Lee, Grant or Patton! This point has taken all the enjoyment out of reading a classical writer of the stature of Tacitus. I am now awaiting the publication of Professor A J Woodman's translation, due later this year, hoping that he will understand that anyone wishing to read the Annals would expect some faithfulness to the Latin terms..


Quite excellent in parts   March 14, 2002
 3 out of 6 found this review helpful

An excellent insight into Roman life at the height of the Empire. Sadly, large parts have been lost, but the material remaining breathes life into Tacitus' accounts of the lives of the emperors and other prominent Romans. A must-read for scholars of ancient civilisations.


An in-depth coverage of Rome under first emperors   July 16, 2001
 6 out of 7 found this review helpful

Tacitus (ca 56-120) was not only great contemporary historian but the statesman who earned both consulship (AD 97) and governorship (AD 112). So he was uniquely positioned to give us the overview of the intricate behind the scene manoeuvering and back-stabbing of the Roman politics.

The "Annals" can not give the smooth account of historical events as some parts of the original book are missing. Nevertheless the book gives us superb picture of the life of Roman rulers with all the benefits and anxieties that come with the position.

The excellent translation of Mr Michael Grant makes the book easily readable.