This was my assigned textbook for a class in the Early Roman Empire. More than thirty years later, I still have the same copy, which I have read almost to tatters. Salmon's lucid and compelling prose is what historical writing should be. I often pick it up and re-read favorite passages.
The book begins with the accession of Augustus and continues through the reign of Hadrian. While focusing on political events, there are several chapters on literature, architecture and art during the period.
I originally read this in conjunction with Suetonius's The Twelve Caesars and The Annals of Tacitus. Salmon's writing compares favorably to these classics and provides a modern, objective viewpoint to balance the partisanship of the ancient sources.
This can be read either as a work of popular history or as a solid, unbiased reference to the period. I highly recommend this work to anyone with an interest in Roman history.