Ruling the Ancient Roman World
First Printing
The fascinating lives of Rome’s rulers are uncovered in Emperor of Rome. Now as an illustrated Folio edition, this captivating volume brings ancient history to life with glorious artefacts, paintings, statues, coins, mosaics and photographs.
Editor’s Note
- Mandy Kirkby, Editor
In this companion to S.P.Q.R., Mary Beard explores the world of the Roman emperors in 300 years of one-man rule, from Julius Caesar to Alexander Severus. Who made it to the top and what did it take to get there? Why they are a byword for corruption, excess and cruelty – and is it justified? Fizzing with insights and delights, Emperor of Rome also looks at their day-to-day lives – what they ate, how they travelled, what they did in their spare time and how they coped with the paperwork of a vast empire.
This edition is sumptuously bound in cloth, with a cloth slipcase, both blocked with the emblem of the imperial eagle, and over 100 photographs bring the glory and infamy of the emperors' world to life.
Bound in printed and blocked cloth.
Set in Bembo Book with Cenotaph as display
440 pages with integrated black & white illustrations and 4 maps
48 pages of colour photographs
Printed endpapers
Slipcase blocked with a motif
Sized at 10” x 6¾”
‘Britain’s most famous classicist at the peak of her powers.’
- The Times
Mary Beard takes us beyond the familiar tales of mad emperors and imperial excess, offering a fresh and insightful exploration of the rulers who shaped the Roman Empire. Drawing on decades of scholarship, Beard delves into the lives of emperors from Julius Caesar to Alexander Severus, uncovering the complexities of their power and the reality behind the myths. Rather than a simple recounting of rulers, she asks intriguing questions: How did emperors wield their influence? What were their daily lives like? And what truly went on behind the palace walls? With a keen eye for detail and a flair for storytelling, Beard brings to life the emperors’ relationships, rivalries, and the everyday Roman citizens who sought their favour. Through this richly woven narrative, Emperor of Rome offers an unparalleled glimpse into the heart of imperial power and the enduring fascination with what it meant to be Roman at the height of its empire.
The definitive account of ancient Rome by acclaimed historian Mary Beard vividly depicts ordinary Roman lives and contains more than 45 full-colour images specially selected for the Folio edition of S.P.Q.R.
Star-crossed romance and heart-pounding historical adventure meet in Madeline Miller’s The Song of Achilles. This special collector’s edition is introduced by classicist Emily Wilson and illustrated by Julie Dillon.
Homer’s epic poem relating a bloody clash of powers transcends the centuries in the hands of translator Robert Fagles, and is transformed into an exceptional collector’s edition by Folio.
Dominion is Tom Holland’s epic exploration of how everything we do has been shaped by Christianity, a subversive sect that grew to a religion. This beautiful Folio Society edition has a striking binding design by Noma Bar with 24 pages of colour images.
