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  • Augustus: First Emperor of Rome

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Adrian Keith Goldsworthy
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Augustus: First Emperor of Rome Kindle Edition

by Adrian Keith Goldsworthy (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.5 out of 5 stars (895)
Editors' pick Best Biographies & Memoirs

The acclaimed historian and author of Caesar presents "a first-rate popular biography" of Rome's first emperor, written "with a storyteller's brio" (Washington Post).

The story of Augustus' life is filled with drama and contradiction, risky gambles and unexpected success. He began as a teenage warlord whose only claim to power was as the grand-nephew and heir of the murdered Julius Caesar. Mark Antony dubbed him "a boy who owes everything to a name," but he soon outmaneuvered a host of more experienced politicians to become the last man standing in 30 BC. Over the next half century, Augustus created a new system of government—the Principate or rule of an emperor—which brought peace and stability to the vast Roman Empire.
 
In this highly anticipated biography, Goldsworthy puts his deep knowledge of ancient sources to full use, recounting the events of Augustus' long life in greater detail than ever before. Goldsworthy pins down the man behind the myths: a consummate manipulator, propagandist, and showman, both generous and ruthless. Under Augustus' rule the empire prospered, yet his success was constantly under threat and his life was intensely unpredictable.

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  1. Print length
    625 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    Yale University Press
  4. Accessibility
    Learn more
  5. Publication date
    August 28, 2014
  6. File size
    13.9 MB
  7. Page Flip
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  8. Word Wise
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Editorial Reviews

Review

“Goldsworthy’s prodigious biography of this first and greatest Roman emperor is thorough and well-researched. . . . Goldsworthy is a superb historian and talented writer, . . . [and Augustus] will likely join the pantheon of biographies of a truly great Roman leader. . . . Goldsworthy reminds readers . . . that human nature does not change. Augustus cultivated what passed for the Roman media as assiduously as any American politician today woos Fox News or CNN. One gets the impression that Augustus would have adapted well to 21st-century politics while still ruling wisely.”—Gary Anderson, Washington Times (Gary Anderson Washington Times)

“The 2,000th anniversary of the death of Augustus has renewed interest in the man regarded as the founder of the Roman Empire and its first emperor. With a canny sense for timing, acclaimed military historian Adrian Goldsworthy has published a new biography of this important, and still controversial, historical figure. . . . Goldsworthy presents the known facts of the life of the enigmatic and complex Augustus evenhandedly. He admirably charts the events of his rise to power, revealing him variously as a second-rate military commander, clever manipulator, confident showman and consummate politician.”—Lindsay Powell, UNRV (Lindsay Powell UNRV)

"Goldsworthy's true expertise is as a military historian, and this is what really gives his biography its strength and bite: his depiction of Augustus's relationship with his legions is masterly."—Robert Harris, London Sunday Times (Robert Harris London Sunday Times)

“Goldsworthy peers like a master jeweler into the strange cold diamond at the heart of Roman history—the emperor Augustus—and reveals the whole Roman world reflected in its facets. But the book itself is warm with human sympathy, elegant writing, and the sheer joy and love of history it evokes in its reader.”—J. E. Lendon, author of Soldiers and Ghosts: A History of Battle in Classical Antiquity and Song of Wrath: The Peloponnesian War Begins
(J. E. Lendon)

“For all his importance, Augustus is often an enigma behind a classical façade. Goldsworthy’s Augustus reveals all the drama and detail surrounding Rome’s first emperor. Brimming with energy, scholarship, and wisdom, it is a history book to savor.”—Barry Strauss, author of Masters of Command: Alexander, Hannibal, Caesar and the Genius of Leadership (Barry Strauss)

"A biography that can interest scholars, but also be read with ease by anyone interested in the ancient world. Goldsworthy has an unusual ability to make his detailed histories readable and interesting to a general audience, and that is a rare talent. I recommend it very highly."—Richard Weigel, Bowling Green [KY] Daily News (Richard Weigel Bowling Green [KY] Daily News)

“Augustus splendidly completes the trilogy that started with Caesar and continued with Antony and Cleopatra. It is the best extended treatment in English of Augustus' career and his many contradictions.”—Karl Galinsky, University of Texas at Austin (Karl Galinsky)

“Historian and biographer Goldsworthy (Caesar) showcases his deep knowledge of Ancient Rome in this masterful document of a life whose themes still resonate in modern times. . . . A strong narrative emphasis ties the work together and is enriched by evocative details of Roman life. . . . The overall effect that Goldsworthy generates is of meeting a man whose life seems hardly distant from the modern experience. While ancient cultural practices can often feel foreign, the political motivations and machinations, the familial relations and emotions, ring as true today as at the turn of the Common Era.”—Publishers Weekly, starred review (Publishers Weekly)

"In too many of the numerous histories of this period, Augustus as an individual is blurred, if not overlooked, as strange as that may seem. Goldsworthy’s goal is to rescue the life of Augustus from the history, limning the passions, cruelty, and wiliness that made up that often-dismissed character. . . . Adrian Goldsworthy’s fine new biography tells the founder’s story as it deserves to be told."—Michael Auslin, National Review Online (Michael Auslin National Review Online)

"A fascinating exploration of the life of one of Rome's most stable and yet still mysterious emperors. . . . This vast accomplished book . . . is a book to read avidly but also dip in to, to enjoy the huge range of characters and events."—Jennifer Selway, Daily Express (Jennifer Selway Daily Express)

“Superb. . . . Augustus is a first-rate popular biography by a skilled and knowing hand, a fine companion to Goldsworthy’s Caesar.”—Steve Donoghue, Washington Post (Steve Donoghue Washington Post)

"...Goldsworthy’s intended audience can be grateful for having so measured a guide who has also provided them with excellent maps, a glossary of terms and personalities, and an outline of the senatorial career. Yale University Press must be congratulated for high production values that make this book a pleasure to handle and read."—S. J. V. Malloch,University of Nottingham (S. J. V. Malloch Bryn Mawr Classical Review 2015-06-03)

“An absolutely must read for Roman history fans and students of the Julio-Claudians.”—NS Gill’s Ancient Matters (NS Gill’s Ancient Matters 2014-09-02)

“Adrian Goldsworthy has done it again. His biography of Augustus, just released by Yale University Press, is the most balanced and nuanced explanation of how Augustus succeeded. . . . The book reads like a novel in part, perhaps, because, having written several novels, Goldsworthy has learned to think about motivation. He is clearly the best Roman historian of our day.” —Martin Lobel, PhDiva.com (Martin Lobel PhDiva.com 2014-09-02)

"Like Goldsworthy's biography of Julius Caesar, this is essential reading for anyone interested in Ancient Rome."—Natalie Haynes, The Independent (Natalie Haynes The Independent)

“Goldsworthy (Caesar: Life of a Colossus, 2008, etc.) obviously has ancient Rome in his bones, and his biography of Augustus is also a solid chronicle of Rome and its development. . . . Goldsworthy questions why Augustus has slipped off of many historians’ lists of great leaders, which include Julius Caesar, Alexander, Hannibal and Hadrian. He provides plenty of reasons why he should be at the top of those lists.”—Kirkus Reviews (Kirkus Reviews)

“Augustus is the greatest ancient Roman leader, . . . and yet, [he is] something of an enigma. Adrian Goldsworthy’s wonderful biography will change all that. Augustus is revealing of its subject’s character and the time in which he lived, judicious on his shortcomings, and rich in portraits of secondary figures—everything a biography should be. . . . Augustus is the best sort of biography because it inspires readers to make these comparisons [between ancient times and our own], without making them explicit. It deserves wide readership, and, in the best way, demonstrates the truth of Petrarch’s famous query: ‘What else is all history, but the praise of Rome?’ ”—Ted Lawrence, Washington Free Beacon (Ted Lawrence Washington Free Beacon 2014-09-05)

“[Goldsworthy,] the author of the best-selling Caesar: The Life of a Colossus, . . . relates [Augustus’] military victories, the hairbreadth escapes, the diplomatic successes and the dark family quarrels with a storyteller’s brio, bringing alive the empire’s tense standoffs with Eastern kingdoms such as Parthia and along the way giving us some quite wonderful readings of poets such as Virgil and Horace. . . . [Goldsworthy’s] insights and inferences are superb throughout. . . . Augustus is a first-rate popular biography by a skilled and knowing hand, a fine companion to Goldsworthy’s Caesar volume.”—Steve Donoghue, Washington Post (Steve Donoghue Washington Post)

Won an Honorable Mention for the 2014 American Publishers Awards for Professional and Scholarly Excellence (PROSE) in the Biography & Autobiography category. (PROSE American Publishers Awards for Professional and Scholarly Excellence 2015-02-16)

“Impressive. . . Mr. Goldsworthy. . . moves nimbly around other important evidence about Augustus’ life. . . The resulting life is, in one sense, deeply unified. This is a welcome corrective to traditional presentations.”—Brendan Boyle, The Wall Street Journal (Brendan Boyle The Wall Street Journal)

"Goldsworthy capably guides us over the rapids of 'modern scholarship.' He challenges stories that are repeated often but never questioned, . . . [and] is particularly sound on senatorial power struggles and the use of marriage to cement or break political alliances. . . . [Augustus] is the most trustworthy [portrait] we are likely to get."—Nicholas Shakespeare, Daily Telegraph (Nicholas Shakespeare Daily Telegraph)

An “authoritative and always interesting new biography.”—John Gray, New Statesman (John Gray New Statesman 2014-08-29)

“The dramatic rise and long rule of Caesar Augustus is the subject of Adrian Goldsworthy’s substantial new biography, Augustus: First Emperor of Rome. The book is a fascinating study of political life in ancient Rome, and the parallels with our own political system are numerous and interesting. But the discontinuities between America and the Roman Empire are just as revealing.”—Nick Romeo, Christian Science Monitor

(Nick Romeo Christian Science Monitor 2014-08-27)

“Goldsworthy has produced an elegantly written and well-argued biography of Augustus that pulls no punches. Sifting through the literature of the Augustan Age, he brings together the ancient evidence with the best of modern scholarship, producing a meticulously researched, but highly readable, volume on Rome’s first emperor. The result is a study on the nature of leadership, the wielding of power, and the price to be paid by both.”—Col. Rose Mary Sheldon, Virginia Military Institute (Col. Rose Mary Sheldon)

About the Author

Adrian Goldsworthy is a leading historian of the ancient world and author of acclaimed biographies of Julius Caesar and Antony and Cleopatra among many other books. He lectures widely and consults on historical documentaries produced by the History Channel, National Geographic, and the BBC. He lives in the Vale of Glamorgan, UK.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B00M9A2DB8
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Yale University Press
  • Accessibility ‏ : ‎ Learn more
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ August 28, 2014
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 13.9 MB
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 625 pages
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0300210071
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Best Sellers Rank: #268,830 in Kindle Store (See Top 100 in Kindle Store)
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.5 out of 5 stars (895)

About the author

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Adrian Keith Goldsworthy

Adrian Keith Goldsworthy

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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, including THE FALL OF THE WEST, CAESAR, IN THE NAME OF ROME, CANNAE and ROMAN WARFARE, 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.

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Customer reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars
895 global ratings

Customers say

Customers find the biography masterfully researched, with historical details woven into the narrative. Moreover, the book reads like a novel and customers greatly enjoy reading Roman history. Additionally, the writing style receives positive feedback, with one customer noting it's well-conceived for a general audience.
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58 customers mention informative, 50 positive, 8 negative
Customers find the book informative, praising its masterful research and how it weaves historical details into the narrative.
...Well researched and well thought out, be paints a pretty clear picture of Octavian/ Augustus even though available information from many periods is...Read more
A well written, informative and entertaining readRead more
Adrian Goldsworthy here was written another great biography from the cradle to the grave....Read more
Masterfully researched and written ,with the rare ablity to maintain events in their proper context ;thus revealing a more usable set of truths...Read more
44 customers mention content, 40 positive, 4 negative
Customers find the content of the book remarkable and outstanding, with one customer describing it as an excellent history book.
It was a good book it's well-written well readable but there were times when I was reading it my mind would wander the truth of the matter is in...Read more
A very good, well written book by the leading historian on Ancient Roman HIstory. A Great Read! Highly recommended. Peter Wev...Read more
As described! Great product!Read more
Have not read yet, but in the que. Glance shows that it has great promise.Read more
32 customers mention readability, 29 positive, 3 negative
Customers find the book engaging and easy to read, with one customer noting how it transforms potentially boring material into an exciting narrative.
great read.Read more
...It was an informative and enjoyable read.Read more
...It reads like a novel, it’s one of those books I just couldn’t put down, yet it’s also diligent in providing references and presenting alternative...Read more
Haven't finished it yet but a very interesting read....Read more
20 customers mention writing style, 19 positive, 1 negative
Customers appreciate the writing style of the book, describing it as well-written history, with one customer noting its descriptive prose.
Well written and researched offers a sober and educated interpretation of Augustus fascinating life and vicissitudes while setting the foundations...Read more
...It is a well written book, and covers the life of Augustus, with all its complexities and contradictions.Read more
Thorough and interesting, well-written, but at times I thought I was getting a bit too much information concerning a given area of this emperor's...Read more
Masterfully researched and written ,with the rare ablity to maintain events in their proper context ;thus revealing a more usable set of truths...Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Chuck Farly
    5.0 out of 5 stars Extraordinary! Superb! Beautifully written! A treasure.
    Reviewed in the United States on June 29, 2024
    Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
    Book Review: "Augustus: First Emperor of Rome" by Adrian Goldsworthy

    Adrian Goldsworthy’s Augustus: First Emperor of Rome is an exceptional biography that masterfully captures the life and legacy of one of history’s most influential figures, Augustus Caesar. Much like his earlier work on Julius Caesar, Goldsworthy’s biography of Augustus is a monumental achievement, providing a comprehensive and insightful exploration of Augustus’s life, from his early years to his reign as the first Emperor of Rome.

    Comprehensive and Detailed Narrative
    Goldsworthy’s narrative begins with Augustus’s birth in 63 BC and meticulously traces his journey through his early life, rise to power, and eventual establishment of the Roman Empire. Each chapter is rich with detail, bringing to life the critical moments that defined Augustus’s career. The author’s deep understanding of the historical context allows readers to appreciate the complexities and challenges that Augustus faced as he navigated the turbulent political landscape of late Republican Rome.

    Rise to Power
    Goldsworthy expertly recounts the young Octavian’s return to Rome following the assassination of Julius Caesar in 44 BC and his subsequent rise to power. The formation of the Second Triumvirate with Mark Antony and Lepidus, the defeat of Caesar’s assassins at the Battle of Philippi, and the eventual confrontation with Antony and Cleopatra at the Battle of Actium are all vividly depicted. Goldsworthy’s attention to detail and ability to synthesize historical sources provide a clear and compelling picture of these pivotal events.

    Establishment of the Principate
    One of the most fascinating aspects of the book is Goldsworthy’s analysis of Augustus’s transformation of the Roman Republic into the Roman Empire. The author delves into Augustus’s reforms, his consolidation of power, and his efforts to maintain the façade of republican governance while effectively holding autocratic control. The expansion of the Senate, the limitation of the tribunes' powers, and the establishment of the Principate are all explored in depth, highlighting Augustus’s political acumen and strategic brilliance.

    Reign as Emperor
    Goldsworthy’s portrayal of Augustus’s reign as Emperor is equally impressive. The book provides a detailed account of his administrative reforms, building projects, and efforts to secure the empire’s borders. The narrative covers significant events such as the disaster at the Battle of the Teutoburg Forest and Augustus’s arrangements for succession, providing a comprehensive view of his reign. The author’s use of archaeological evidence, inscriptions, and ancient sources helps to paint a vivid picture of Augustus’s achievements and challenges.

    Limitations of Historical Evidence
    Goldsworthy acknowledges the limitations of the historical evidence and written records, providing a balanced and nuanced interpretation of Augustus’s life. The author’s careful consideration of the biases and gaps in the sources ensures that the biography remains as accurate and reliable as possible. This scholarly rigor enhances the credibility of the work and allows readers to gain a deeper understanding of the complexities of historical interpretation.

    Conclusion
    Augustus: First Emperor of Rome by Adrian Goldsworthy is a truly monumental and staggeringly beautiful work of art and history. The author’s meticulous research, engaging narrative style, and deep understanding of the historical context make this biography a must-read for anyone interested in Roman history. Goldsworthy’s ability to bring Augustus’s world to life, despite the limitations of historical evidence, is a testament to his skill as a historian and writer. This book deserves a five-star rating for its comprehensive coverage, insightful analysis, and captivating storytelling. It stands as a definitive account of Augustus’s life and legacy, providing readers with a profound appreciation of the man who shaped the course of Roman history.
    9 people found this helpful
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  • Ben
    4.0 out of 5 stars Very indepth account if Augustus
    Reviewed in the United States on December 12, 2024
    Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
    I really like this author as he gives the full story in an easy way. I will say that after he beat Marc Antony, the rest of his life was kinda boring. But that is not the authors fault. He was able to talk about how good of a stateman he was.
    3 people found this helpful
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  • BookendBones
    5.0 out of 5 stars The First and Greatest Emperor?
    Reviewed in the United States on April 27, 2024
    Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
    Augustus: First Emperor of Rome by Adrian Goldsworthy
     
    I have to admit that going into this, Augustus/Octavian/Octavius was probably one of my favorite people in ancient history and this book certainly reconfirms that for me. 
     
    Goldsworthy's style, in all his Roman history books, is engaging and easy to follow, providing a detailed account that really allows you to learn what is going on. I particularly liked how he organized the book, shifting the way he refers to Augustus to match the Emperor's changing preferences over time.
     
    Throughout Augustus' life he drastically changed his approaches, from being incredibly ruthless during times of civil war to more of a seemingly benevolent dictator, oh I mean benevolent "Princeps". This book always reminds the reader that Augustus, though later in life generous and often forgiving, was still basically a warlord.  Overall, this book provides a comprehensive and engaging exploration of the life of the first Roman Emperor.
     
    Note: I highly recommend reading Caesar by Goldsworthy first. That book provides a deeper world-building aspect than this one and serves as a somewhat prequel to Augustus. Reading Caesar first, provided me an understanding of the Republic's political landscape that wasn't as defined in Augustus (which I believe was purposely done to not repeat too much).
    4 people found this helpful
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  • Larry W. Patrick
    5.0 out of 5 stars New Edition worth exploring
    Reviewed in the United States on February 1, 2026
    Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
    Revisiting this new edition of Augustus felt like catching up with an old friend — only this time, I appreciated him even more.

    Augustus wasn’t the biggest or toughest figure in the room. He survived because he played the long game, surrounded himself with brilliant allies (hello, Agrippa), and mastered politics like a chess grandmaster. Goldsworthy does an outstanding job showing how calculated, patient, and quietly ruthless Augustus really was.

    Reading this while fresh off walking the ruins of Rome made the experience electric. At times it felt like ancient HGTV — renovation projects everywhere. Augustus didn’t just rule Rome, he rebuilt it. The Forum, monuments, and public works suddenly felt alive again through Goldsworthy’s storytelling.

    One of my favorite elements is the focus on culture and propaganda. Augustus’ support of literature and the arts — especially poets like Virgil and Horace — reveals how power isn’t just built with armies, but with stories. He understood branding before branding was a thing.

    As always, Goldsworthy’s scholarship shines. The notes, sources, and appendices are excellent, making this both a gripping narrative and a serious reference work.

    If you love Roman history, political strategy, or standing among ruins wondering how it all happened — this book delivers.

    Highly recommended. A must-read Augustus biography.
    2 people found this helpful
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  • Michael DeBellis
    5.0 out of 5 stars Readable and Scholarly book about Rome’s most successful emperor
    Reviewed in the United States on December 20, 2018
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Augustus has always fascinated me, ever since I saw I Claudius as a child. His adopted father Julius Caesar gets most of the attention but in many ways Augustus was the more successful of the two and as a Roman emperors go one of the greatest. Yet, there are very few books on Augustus. I picked this up after reading the author’s previous book on Caesar. I loved that book, I thought he did an excellent job of seeing through some of the “accepted wisdom” of previous historians always with an eye toward objectivity and this book was the same. It reads like a novel, it’s one of those books I just couldn’t put down, yet it’s also diligent in providing references and presenting alternative views toward an issue. If you are looking for a good book written for a general audience about this fascinating historical figure, I doubt you could find one better than this.
    25 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

  • Tom Reilly
    5.0 out of 5 stars Debunking the Roman myths
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 24, 2020
    Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
    Most people have an image of Ancient Rome based more on films/TV than history. Andrian Goldworthy, like any worthy historian, gets to the "warts and all" truth about the man Augustus. From the young ruthless Octavian to the old wise Imperator Caesar he clearly charts the rise to prominence of the (possibly) only benevolent dictator who has ever existed. Fascinating history and legacy. A must read for all lovers of factual Roman History.
    Report
  • Cliente de Amazon
    5.0 out of 5 stars Awesome
    Reviewed in Mexico on July 13, 2025
    Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
    Awesome
    Report
  • Leandro Hosken
    4.0 out of 5 stars Very insightfull
    Reviewed in Brazil on November 4, 2025
    Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
    Underated Roman caracther in history perspective. Very intersting.
    Report
  • Richard
    3.0 out of 5 stars Small text size.
    Reviewed in Japan on July 14, 2019
    Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
    It is not easy to read. text and spacing.
    Report
  • Rack
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great book
    Reviewed in Canada on April 6, 2021
    Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
    Great
    Report
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