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Title: Concise and clear.
Review: In an age when Latin has become rare and history before the Clinton era is befogged, this book serves a real purpose. In fewer than three hundred pages it details the history of Rome (city and empire) from the Etruscan period through the republic, empire and founding of Constantinople to the fall under Romulus Augustulus. The book concludes with a chapter on the legacy of Rome. Certainly this is a fine addition to any general library, written at an educated popular level and concluding with a short bibliography (four of Grant's detailed works are listed, which shows the level or reference). The illustrations and computer generated views of the city at the height of power are added bonuses (bonae?). I might have some use for an absent index at some time, but I am sure the books in the biblio would have more detail. Great book with which to enter the subject, refresh memory or just sit and read.
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