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GRIFFIN, Miriam T., Néron ou la fin d'une dynastie. Infolio, n.p., 2002. 367,XIVp. ills.(B&W photographs). Paperback. Nice copy. 'This penetrating and readable study of the last of the Julio-Claudians is divided into two main parts: a more or less chronological account of Nero's reign and an analysis of the two principal factors which contributed to his fall. But before the narrative proper begins, an introductory section examines the political circumstances in which Nero grew up in an attempt to discover what impressions he might have formed of what it meant to be emperor by the time he came to power. (...) the atmosphere of suspicion, malice and intrigue in which Nero spent his boyhood is well evoked and given due weight (...). The first major questions addressed by G. concern Nero's interest in the task to which he found himself called and his independence (...). G. next seeks to define the nature and duration of the influence of Burrus and Seneca; the management of intrigue, the organisation of public opinion and the exercise of patronage. (...) In the second part of the book G. tries to explain Nero's fall, which appears as inability on his part to come to terms with the pressures of the principate - to simplify a little, Nero was not the man for the job. She highlights several aspects of his failure to cope.' (ROBIN SEAGER on the English original in The Classical Review (New Series), 1986, pp.98-99). From the library of Prof. Carl Deroux. € 17.50 (Antiquarian) ISBN: 9782884742023