In his preface C. acknowledges the considerable challenges that come with writing an introductory work – the delicate balance in providing an accessible overview of the subject while giving a suitable level of detail, taking into account the most recent scholarly advances across the various fields of study, and pointing the reader in the best directions for further study. Despite the potential pitfalls, C.'s book is a success, and will serve as a good starting-point for those wishing to learn more about Roman history and society.

For the sake of clarity the book is structured chronologically, progressing from Rome's pre-history to the fall of the Empire in the West. However, at no point does it feel like a straightforward historical narrative. Instead of opting for separate chapters on social/cultural themes, such as literature, religion or political procedure, thematic sub-sections are introduced as and when they become relevant. Particularly useful are C.'s overviews of the primary literature for each period, and there is a good quantity of epigraphic evidence employed throughout. The discussions of source material are generally well balanced, although some writers of the late Empire receive less discussion than perhaps they deserve. While C. has been, in his words, freed from ‘the tyranny of footnotes’ (p. xi), there are a number of useful references to ancient works. Given the aims of the volume, perhaps more could have been included to help the reader, but the general layout provides ample guidance for further reading. The bibliography is helpfully broken down by chapter, with every entry receiving a brief summary making it user-friendly for beginners. Where they are available, online translations of ancient works are listed in the suggested reading.

Beginning with the earliest pre-history of the city, C. places Rome within her wider geographical and cultural setting, and discusses some of the main contributions made by archaeology to this complicated subject. Rome's initial expansion is considered within the context of the Mediterranean, and especially the Greek world. The Punic Wars, their origins and the military tactics involved in their execution are given particular attention. Following the establishment of Roman dominance, the machinery of Roman politics is summarised before moving on to the breakdown of the Republic and the outbreak of the civil wars. At times the pace becomes uneven, and in some areas more chronological detail would not have been detrimental. After Augustus justifiably receives his own extensive chapter, C. reaches the end of the Severan Dynasty in seven pages, before turning his attention to the administration of the Empire for the remainder of the chapter. The following chapters cover the army, and Roman citizens and society, which flesh out the picture of Rome in the early Imperial period, before the chronological approach returns with the Third Century Crisis. From here, the picture is dominated by the focus on Diocletian, Constantine and Julian, each of whom receives detailed discussion and analysis in the context of the rise of Christianity.

There are useful maps and diagrams detailing military strategy, as well as high-quality images, many of which come with detailed notes. While a number of the images are discussed directly in the text, there are no references pointing the reader to their locations. There are few errors, although in Augustus' family tree (p. 96) Vipsania appears as ‘Vispania’ and, more seriously, Agrippa Postumus appears as ‘Agrippina Postumus’. Apuleius appears as ‘Appuleius’ at p. 191. However, such minor points do not detract from the value of the work, which provides an impressive quantity of information in an accessible and engaging format. Not only does this book provide a strong outline of Roman history and culture, it also shows students how to approach the subject and the sources, and as such it is a welcome addition to the ever-expanding range of literature that aims to ‘introduce’ the Roman world.