Michael KulikowskiThe Triumph of Empire: The Roman World from Hadrian to Constantine (History of the Ancient World)

The book is a rare combination of readability balanced with up to date historical analysis and commentary on historiography. Michael Kulikowski comments on all the evidence used to back up his claims and often comments on how previous historians have analyzed a particular topic over time, things which are not always to be found in other works about this period of time aimed at popular audiences. The book also has agreat further reading section which not only lists titles of interest but comments on their focus. This final point is somewhat tangential but adds to my recommendation. I had occasion to contact the author, someone I do not know nor have ever met, about a topic from the book and he took the time to respond informatively and politely to my question, even though he has a full time research and professor position at a major university.

The book is very detailed, almost too much so, but it's written to prove the author's point that the 2nd century emperors were not as important to the running of the empire that has been usually portrayed. He emphasizes the importance of the 1000's of officials needed to run such a vast enterprise as the Roman Empire and that these unsung heroes are ignored by most historians which neglect he rectifies somewhat by recounting some of their exploits. This makes reading the book a little tedious.

Most books on Rome focus on the late republic/early empire or on the fall of the western empire. The Triumph of Empire is one of the few books that covers the time between those two periods, and probably the only one not meant primarily for scholars.Kulikowski is an expert in the subject and does a great job presenting the latest research. He is especially effective at putting the Roman Empire in a Eurasian context, and in describing the evolution of the Roman government.My only complaint is that Kulikowski covers very little social or economic history, only doing so when these areas interact with politics. This makes the book shorter and more exciting, but ignores the vast majority of the people alive at the time.That said, I highly recommend the book, if only to fill in the gaps.

It was described as like new. It was in excellent condition; in fact, it was as if it was purchased new. It was even broken in like every hard bound book should be.

Decently written overview of the Roman Empire between the end of the Julio/Claudian dynasty and the founding of Byzantium.

Good general history of the Roman empire from Hadrian to Constantine.

Good book, but can be quite tedious regarding the administrative roles and said functions. Countless names and places so be prepared for that. Overall good book.

It fills in a time in history that I do not have much knowledge of.

This Is the first part of a two volume set covering the final years of the Roman empire and could hardly be bettered.The details given are correct in every respect and give all the information necessary without being dull in any way.

Excellent book describing the Roman successes, very readable.