Acclaimed as a classic portrait, Griffin's work is widely considered to be the definitive biography of this notorious emperor.

Nero's personality and crimes have always intrigued historians, novelists and general readers. The first Princeps tol be declared a Public Enemy by the Roman Senate, Nero became one of the canonical tyrants along with Caligula and Domitian, and bears the dubious honor of having essentially brought about the end of the Augustan dynasty.

Griffin observes the emperor in the worlkd in which he lived, his intense relationship with the arts, and the factors leading to his final downfall.