A major new history of the spectacular rise and fall of the ancient world's greatest empire

Publisher Description

With over 750 illustrations, Roman Buildings is a thorough and systematic examination of Roman architecture and building practice, looking at large-scale public buildings as well as more modest homes and shops. Placing emphasis on the technical aspects of the subject, the author follows the process of building through each stage -- from quarry to standing wall, from tree to roof timbers -- and describes how these materials were obtained or manufactured. The author also discusses interior decoration and looks at the practical aspects of water supply, heating and roads.

“One of the really remarkable books of our day”—the story of the Roman emperor on which the award-winning BBC TV series was based (The New York Times). Once a rather bookish young man with a limp and a stammer, a man who spent most of his time trying to stay away from the danger and risk of the line of ascension, Claudius seemed an unlikely candidate for emperor. Yet, on the death of Caligula, Claudius finds himself next in line for the throne, and must stay alive as well as keep control. Drawing on the histories of Plutarch, Suetonius, and Tacitus, noted historian and classicist Robert Graves tells the story of the much-maligned Emperor Claudius with both skill and compassion. Weaving important themes throughout about the nature of freedom and safety possible in a monarchy, Graves’s Claudius is both more effective and more tragic than history typically remembers him. A bestselling novel and one of Graves’ most successful, I, Claudius has been adapted to television, film, theatre, and audio. “[A] legendary tale of Claudius . . . [A] gem of modern literature.” —Publishers Weekly (starred review)

#1 New York Times bestselling author Nora Roberts presents a thrilling tale of love and danger. On the hunt for a dangerous gang, Federal Agent Roman DeWinter goes undercover and checks into Charity Ford's inn on Orcas Island. While Roman has never known the warmth of a home, he soon finds himself longing for the comfort of Charity's arms. But Roman has come looking for a criminal mastermind, and with all the evidence pointing to Charity, Roman isn't sure if he should trust his heart or his head... A NORA ROBERTS CLASSIC AVAILABLE DIGITALLY FOR THE FIRST TIME

From ancient Rome to the Great Meltdown of 2008, this account of financial crises throughout history reveals the common human foibles that drive economic booms and busts.