The Roman Revolution - Ronald Syme

Brilliant but serious and difficult history of the fall of the republic/ rise of the empire. Wouldn't go for it unless you are already familiar. It's more his analysis of events, presuming a certain preexisting familiarity with events in the reader. It was written against the backdrop of the rise of fascism in the 30s and it bears that mark. Augusts/Octavian is the main character. This book really makes you appreciate how much of a genius and bastard he was.