Tacitus was a Roman Senator and had access to the official records and books of the Empire.  His book covers the reigns of Tiberius (the period of 37-47 AD have been lost), Claudius and Nero (until 66 AD).  As Tacitus was still writing the history around 116AD, he was still relatively close enough to be blessed with a buffer of time, yet not far enough away to romanticize any of the events or individuals in the book.

The chapters (or books as they are called) are devoid of sensationalism yet manage to portray events and individuals in a light which leaves little doubt of the opinion of Tacitus.  Even the worst excesses of Tiberius and Nero are not graphically described while Claudius does not come across as the kindly, fatherly Emperor so portrayed by Derek Jacobi in his memorable role.

As is usual, for the beginner of Roman history, the names may be confusing and locations even more so as they are usually referred to in their “Roman” as opposed to their “modern” names, but it is a handy reference book and cross index against other histories, both fictional and non-fictional.  But it is not a book for speed reading as it is loaded with facts that go beyond normal history and you can believe you are actually reading a political memoir, full of twists and turns.