The Twelve Caesars by Suetonius, Gaius - 1964

Translated by Robert Graves, from the Latin of Gaius Suetonius Tranquillus, probably born in 69 A.D. The translator has added a prefatory chapter on the Roman republican constitution and on the merciless struggle between the aristocratic and the popular parties, within Roman government. Graves has used the modern names of cities, when feasible, as well as the Christian years we take for granted today.

Suetonius worked as a lawyer for a time, avoided political life, and ended up as chief secretary to the Emperor Hadrian (117-183 A.D.). Suetonius was fortunate to have access to the Imperial and Senatorial archives and to a great body of contemporary memoirs and documents. Much of his history comes from eyewitnesses themselves. Graves says that it is evident that Suetonius checked his facts when he could; he also cites conflicting data without partiality. (This cannot be said of later historians, such as Tacitus.) Of the many books authored by Suetonius, Twelve Caesars survives, to our great benefit. This book provides a detailed glimpse into the government of the Roman Empire, at its peak of power and influence.

This is a collector's edition, with fine binding; gold coins with emperor's heads adorn the front cover. Wood engravings by Raymond Hawthorn illustrate the pages effectively. A black slipcase comes with this beautifully bound and printed volume.

Set in 12 on 13 point Poliphilus. Printed in Great Britain by Butler & Tanner Ltd, Frome on Cloister Book Wove paper. Full bound by Butler & Tanner Ltd in Oxford Library Buckram.