Adrian Goldsworthy has a doctorate from Oxford University. His first book, THE ROMAN ARMY AT WAR, was recognised by John Keegan as an exceptionally impressive work, original in treatment and impressive in style. He has gone on to write several other books, which have sold more than a quarter of a million copies and been translated into more than a dozen languages. A full time author, he regularly contributes to TV documentaries on Roman themes.

Embarrassed by his short stature Augustus is said to have worn build-up shoes. He also had a love of crude jokes and poems, which he wrote himself. He was one part of the ultimate power couple. Aged 24 and on the verge of great power he fell in love with the beautiful, clever Livia, who was 20. Both were already married and while Augustus had a daughter, Livia was pregnant by her first husband. Livia and Augustus married three days after she gave birth. Extraordinary ... This vast accomplished book ... is a book to read avidly but also dip into, to enjoy the huge range of characters and the events