A highly readable history of a fascinating period
BBC History Magazine
Potter has written a characteristically crisp, vibrant, and provocative new account of a turbulent and fascinating period in Roman history. Highly recommended.
- Carlos Noreña, author, Imperial Ideals in the Roman West
Combines a sweeping narrative with impressively detailed analysis of the factors behind Rome's imperial conquests and internal turbulence. An invaluable resource.
- Catherine Steel, Professor of Classics, University of Glasgow,
As a portrait of an old and vast representative republic deteriorating into an autocracy, Potter's book is easily, even alarmingly, lucid.
Open Letters Review
Potter presents this epic tale afresh with insight, erudition and remarkable detail. His approach stands out for its clear-eyed exposure of the bloodshed, suffering and persistent strife that led eventually to the Republic's self-destruction and the unexpected emergence of Pax Romana. Here is a book that should jolt generous admirers of ancient Rome to rethink their viewpoint.
- Richard Talbert, Kenan Professor of History, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill,