Stephen Williams's book is the first biography of Diocletian to appear in English. It combines the historical narrative of his remarkable reign and those of his fellow-emperors, with a chapter-by-chapter study of each of the great problems he faced, the interlocking solutions he evolved to meet them, and the longer term results. It is both a portrait of one of Rome's greatest and most original rulers, and a political study in the emergence of Absolutism. Also includes four maps.
"[Williams] has performed a valuable service for the profession as well as for the general reader ... his judgment of particular matters is invariably sound, and the book is a well-written synthesis." -- American Historical Review USE
"Stephen Williams is not a professional Roman historian, but he is certainly an expert, and his view of Diocletian is original and convincing. ... [He] is an equitable and balanced historian and I think one can rely on him." -- Peter Levi
"This is the first biography of Diocletian in English and is written both for students of history and politics and for general readers." -- The Bloomsbury Review USE
"This biography is never dull, for the author writes with considerable style, and he has the ability to turn a neat phrase." -- James E. Seaver History Reviews of New Books
"Stephen Williams is not a professional Roman historian, but he is certainly an expert, and his view of Diocletian is original and convincing. ... [He] is an equitable and balanced historian and I think one can rely on him." -- Peter Levi
"This is the first biography of Diocletian in English and is written both for students of history and politics and for general readers." -- The Bloomsbury Review USE
"This biography is never dull, for the author writes with considerable style, and he has the ability to turn a neat phrase." -- James E. Seaver History Reviews of New Books