Augustan era

Author: (American) Will Durant
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2005-08-01
Features: Augustus was one of the greatest administrative geniuses in human history. Under his rule, the life of the Romans underwent a complete transformation; the vast reconstruction of the Roman Empire was carried out under his command. He transformed a declining republic into an unprecedented empire with the prospect of survival for many centuries; he created a lasting "Pax Romana" based on convenient transportation and prosperous commerce; he ensured the survival and later dissemination of the classical heritage of Greece and Rome; he provided means for the spread of Judaism and Christianity. He was short in stature but handsome in appearance, unadorned but graceful in demeanor, with clear eyes but an intimidating gaze. His reign was filled with wit and imagination. He was cruel in his early years but showed magnanimity and gentleness in his later life.
Reasons to Read This Book: He was praised by world-renowned writers such as Virgil, Horace, and Livy. He was an educated man. He wrote pamphlets against Brutus, exhortations to philosophy, an autobiography of his early life, a biography of Drusus, as well as collections of poetry and aphorisms. He lived a simple family life. He had no interest in personal extravagance. However, if he had free time or his colleagues did, the "palace" outside Rome could be a place for them to spend their time.
Recommended for the Following Groups:
- Scholars or enthusiasts of the Roman Empire
- Scholars or enthusiasts of Western history
- Scholars or enthusiasts of Greek and Roman culture
- The wealthy class or the leisure class
- Middle and high school students
This book is adapted from the relevant content of Will Durant's classic The Story of Civilization, Volume III. It is written in clear, fluent prose and a novel and original style, depicting the era named after Caesar. It is not just a history book but a life story and intellectual history filled with wisdom and personal insights. The author, taking the stance of "learning from others," strives to make this "Roman history" a "history of our own," a "history of our own struggles," and a "foreshadowing of our future work."
The New York Times called this book a "highly recommended gem," the New Yorker believed it had "a keen appreciation for this great era," the American described it as "stylistically unique," and the Library Journal praised it as "stylish and witty."