The Emperor Nero: A Guide to the Ancient Sources, Barrett Anthony A., Fantham Elaine, Yardley John C

Neros reign (AD 54-68) witnessed some of the most memorable events in Roman history, such as the rebellion of Boudica and the first persecution of the Christians--not to mention Neros murder of his mother, his tyranny and extravagance, and his suicide, which plunged the empire into civil war. The Emperor Nero gathers into a single collection the major sources for Neros life and rule, providing students of Nero and ancient Rome with the most authoritative and accessible reader there is.

The Emperor Nero features clear, contemporary translations of key literary sources along with translations and explanations of representative inscriptions and coins issued under Nero. The informative introduction situates the emperors reign within the history of the Roman Empire, and the books concise headnotes to chapters place the source material in historical and biographical context. Passages are accompanied by detailed notes and are organized around events, such as the Great Fire of Rome, or by topic, such as Neros relationships with his wives. Complex events like the war with Parthia--split up among several chapters in Tacituss Annals--are brought together in continuous narratives, making this the most comprehensible and user-friendly sourcebook on Nero available.