I bought this book of Amazon as a means of starting my more in depth journey into learning all about the History of Ancient Rome and where is better than a short introduction into the Roman Republic.

It has lived up to my expectation to inspire me to further delve into this world. I now intend to read more books from the "Very Short Introduction" series including, "The Roman Empire", "Roman Britain" and "Classical Mythology". I also have added to my TBR many more books on the subject of Ancient Rome, like Mary Beard's "SPQR".

I highly recommend this book to any novices to the world of Ancient Rome. It provides a great base for building further knowledge onto. I found the book to be more detailed than I expected without delving too deeply, perfectly walking that line throughout. The timeline at the end of the book is incredibly useful to look back on and I will be using this to make notes from the book. The further reading section appears to be extensive and detailed which will be a launchpad for me into more specific topics.

Writing: 4/5 

I found the book to be incredibly well written. The author comes across passionate about their subject and can clearly explain complicated topics in a few short sentences. The style is also fast paced which kept me continuously hooked on the topic. It was in parts a bit complex to understand but that is a reflection of the history it is describing. 

Authority: 5/5 

Dr David M. Gwynn is a Lecturer in Ancient and Late Antique History so is certainly qualified to tell this fascinating history.

Content: 4/5 

There were a few places in the book which I wish had been further explained but I do understand the constraints placed upon the author to keep it a short introduction. 

Value: 5/5 

The book certainly lives up to what it promises to give the author which is a very short introduction into the Roman Republic.

Overall rating: 18/20