J.'s subject is not only the Boudicca of Tacitus' Agricola and Annals, and Dio Cassius' The History of Rome, but also the reception of Boudicca up to the present day, and her importance in particular for the British. For translations J. uses Ogilvie (Agricola 1975), Hackson (Annals 1937) and Cary (Dio 1924). J. does not pay as much attention to historical events as to the values and ideologies of the ancient writers in their interpretation of Boudicca – such as their understanding and representation of moral and social structures, of religion, gender, politics and patriotism.

First, J. describes the texts by their technical and literary characteristics and discusses the increase in contemporary study of Boudicca. Furthermore, J. makes comparisons between the ancient authors, and gives general and basic information about the Roman colony and the Iceni.

The next chapter begins with a biography of Tacitus, and then contrasts his protagonists, such as Boudicca, Caratacus, Messalina, Agrippina, Cartimandua and even Venutius. J. explains how Tacitus describes Boudicca in both books, and draws comparisons with Dio's description. Additionally, J. sets up an extended comparison of female figures: Boudicca, Cartimandua, Messalina and Agrippina. Thus, for Tacitus, Cartimandua was a symbol of Roman servitude, Messalina was morally corrupt and a symbol of family destruction, Agrippina was a mark of political and ethical degeneration; and Boudicca an example of bravery, purity and life, a ‘noble savage’.

The third chapter, about Dio Cassius' account, begins with a little biography. Boudicca's rebellion was narrated dramatically, hyperbolically and very rhetorically; her speech, which is sentimental and acclaimed, mentions themes such as slavery, freedom and Roman occupation. Hence, Dio characterises Boudicca with noble blood and a great intellect, compared with other women. J. also discusses Dio's representation of Boudicca in gender terms, especially in opposition to Nero, who was manipulated by his wives and mother.

The final chapter turns to the reception of Boudicca in later British perception; in particular she has been appropriated as a symbol of freedom and female power. J. adds that many books have been written about the heroine, including academic studies as well as various kinds of creative arts, such as those of Polydore, Boëce, Holinshed, Flecher, Cowper and Tennyson. J. makes a comparison between Boudicca and the great women of England, and signals her importance as an icon and how she is kept alive by many contemporary forms.

This book is a systematic study of Boudicca as represented in Tacitus and Dio Cassius. It is written for a student readership with, for example at the beginning of the book, a clear statement of the names of the relevant characters, places, Celtic tribes and Roman settlements.