I first read this fine book in 2017 and with the completion of the Russian pipeline to China and more importantly directly to Germany, by passing the Ukraine and Poland, it is more timely than ever.

History has hundreds of examples of Kings, Princes, politicians, etc. who have trusted advisors, brothers, sons, etc. who turned against them and created civil wars, havoc, mass murder, etc.  In my reading of history, I cannot think of an example of a loyal and dutiful helper to a ruler who matches Marcus Agrippa.  A friend of a youthful Octavian (before his formal adoption by J. Caesar), Agrippa remained loyal to Augustus all of his life, providing excellent advice and strong administrative skills, being a successful General and Admiral (a rarity among Romans), as well as personally honest and generous.  His building program not only in Rome but across the Empire provided the average man with free baths, libraries and theaters.