As with his previous works, the author has an easy reading style that makes his book flow smoothly and quickly. He has the ability to include just the right amount of detail so as not to bog down the reader but still inform.

By any standard, this book will be the preeminent source for the background and context of the Battle of Actium as well as its immediate aftermath. It includes an informative discussion of both Octavian (the future Augustus) and Mark Antony, as well as Cleopatra. Other notable figures are also included such as Agrippa, Octavian's sister Octavia, etc.

A minor complaint is that the author, as is his style, over inflates the importance of female figures. No doubt his intent is to be inclusive in his historical reporting, but he loses credibility by overemphasizing the importance of such figures despite their lack of historical accounts. ( )

He is a bit casual for an academic and not good enough for a professional writer. It reads as a book he wanted to write, but not clear that anyone should read. ( )

Although I’ve done some reading on the general history of the Roman Empire over the years, I will admit my awareness of the Battle of Actium mainly comes Shakespeare’s plays and the Cleopatra movie.

This well researched volume places that battle in its wider context of the civil wars after the death of Julius Caesar, and the rise of the man who would become Rome’s first true Emperor.

As Strauss points out history is written by the victors, which means that what sources we have about the events discussed are sparse, one-sided, and inherently hostile to Anthony (and to a lesser extent Cleopatra). As such much of what is presented here is well informed supposition.

Yet it manages to present what feels like a balanced account that pierces the bias while providing some insights into the actions of the participants as people rather than myths. ( )