Patricia Southern is an expert on the history of Classical Rome, and has written extensively on the subject, with titles including The Roman Empire from Severus to Constantine (2001), Domitian: Tragic Tyrant (1997) and The Roman Army: A Social and Institutional History (2007).

'In the second edition of her masterly biography (1st ed., CH, Mar'99, 36-4048), Southern examines the discreet, ruthless, and shrewd steps by which this cautious revolutionary reached his goal. Art, literature, and religion were all tools that he used to construct his public persona. Summing Up: Recommended.' - CHOICE

• List of illustrations List of Maps Preface to the first edition Preface to the second edition Acknowledgements Abbreviations 1. Octavius to Octavian 2. Caesar, son of Caesar 3. Consul and Triumvir 4. The Decisive Decade 5. Empire Building 6. Totus Orbis Terrarum 7. Profit and Loss 8. Finale 9. The Legacy Appendix I: Buildings of Augustan Rome Appendix II: Augustus and the Roman army Appendix III: Government of the provinces Notes Bibliography Index