Augustus: Introduction to the Life of an Emperor

by Karl Galinsky

Augustus, Rome's first emperor, is one of the great figures of world history and one of the most fascinating. In this lively and concise biography Karl Galinsky examines Augustus' life from childhood to deification. He chronicles the mosaic of vicissitudes, challenges, setbacks, and successes that shaped Augustus' life, both public and private. How did he use his power? How did he manage to keep reinventing himself? What kind of man was he? A transformative leader, Augustus engineered profound change in Rome and throughout the Mediterranean world. No one would have expected such vast achievements from the frail and little-known eighteen-year-old who became Caesar's heir amid turmoil and crisis. A mere thirteen years later, after defeating Antony and Cleopatra, he had, in his words, "power over all things."

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Biography, School, Ancient History

256 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 14, 2012

Reviews

[James Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

Much of this is derived from his Augustan Culture and the Cambridge Companion, but in a more digestible format and with useful citations of sources and discussions of them set apart from the text. Ideal for A-level or undergraduate and a good string point for further reading - I'll be looking up the Wallace-Hadrill on Augustan coinage. Some phrasing is clunky as though words have been excised to meet a maximum word count.

[Ryan Patrick · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fine, succinct biography of Augustus. Galinsky puts forward his evolutionary view of the Augustan Age and insists that Augustus can't be simplified down to 'ruthless thug who manipulated his way to greatness' as some have tried to do. He was complicated, his methods were subtle and nuanced.

[Shane · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is accessible without an extensive background of Roman history. Galinsky uses pictures and excerpts from other writings to push this book into the category of a quick read, but a cursory reading doesn't necessarily mean you will read it for all its worth. Augustus' life is one of many examples in history that prove there are no clear cut distinctions between good and evil. Galinsky's book (using guidance from other authors, such as Wallace-Hadrill) works as a decent summary of and glimpse into the life of an emperor.

[Megan Peterson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Galinsky's introduction to one of the most controversial and ambiguous Roman emperors was brilliant. It was accessible, could work for a school student studying Augustus or someone new to the world of Roman politics. Primary source evidence was peppered throughout this compelling analysis of Augustus to reinforce the points made. The final chapter on the assessment of Augustus reflected scholarship on Augustan reception - particularly in light of the recent political and economic changes globally.

[Birgitta Hoffmann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Galinsky's review of Augustus is a great read- if you already know the main facts and events. As one of the acknowledged leaders of the field, he offers not a hustorical walk through, but a thematic approach of various aspects of Augustus reign and the frequent 'boxes' offer additional source material or reviews of peripheral material to the main argument. I would recommend this as the second book on Augustus students should read and for more advanced students and scholars it offers an interesting summary of the current state of the debate according to Galinsky.

[Manon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great for the purpose it is written for: an introduction to the life (in all its facets: childhood, triumvirate, making of the principate, the pax augusta, Augustus and his family, the Roman cultural revolution and the unifying of the empire, death and deification) of the emperor Augustus.

[Tony · Rating 5 out of 5]

A nice brief introduction of Augustus, though subject oriented rather then narrative oriented.

[Kristina Brown · Rating 3 out of 5]

A detailed analysis of Augustus and his age.