The transformation of state and society, the violent transference of power and property, and the establishment of Augustus' rule and that of the Empire are presented in a narrative which quotes from ancient evidence, refers seldomly to modern authorities, and states controversial opinions openly.[...]
With this classic book, Sir Ronald Syme became the first historian of the twentieth century to place Sallust - whom Tacitus called the most brilliant Roman historian - in his social, political, and literary context. Scholars had considered Sallust to be a mere political hack or pamphleteer, but Syme[...]