Augustus by Anthony Everitt

This is a fascinating biography of Caesar Augustus, first emperor of the Roman Empire. Although I am somewhat familar with this era haveing read I, Claudius and watched the TV series, this was an excellent and very readable account of this time period of Roman history. The civil war between the backers of the former republic and the new imperial trend reads almost like headlines from today's political scene. It's especially interesting in an important election year. It's almost as though nothing ever really changes, all the old political tricks are still very much alive and kicking! I often have trouble being motivated to read biographies but this one is highly recommended.