Tacitus' works still have a profound effect on the way we see the early Roman Principate.
However the level of truth in this picture must be examined critically. For on closer analysis
in his portrayal Tacitus did not always stick to his principle of impartial reporting. Often
the apparent objectivity of the description of events has an undertone of purely subjective
interpretation. Drawing on the books covering the reigns of Tiberius and Claudius this volume
traces the various techniques Tacitus used to influence his reader.
