"This enticing selection from Suetonius's Lives highlights the role of four Roman emperors as anti-role models—egregious examples of how not to behave, which may also resonate with more recent political leaders."—Catharine Edwards, author of Death in Ancient Rome
"Readers of this evocative translation will immediately see the power of Suetonius's Lives, the acuity of his descriptions, and the immediate relevance of his study of individual characters and their leadership qualities. How to Be a Bad Emperor is a unique and appealing book."—Edward J. Watts, author of Mortal Republic: How Rome Fell into Tyranny
"In the present crisis of leadership, How to Be a Bad Emperor is quite delicious. What continues to make Suetonius's rogues' gallery of Roman rulers worthwhile as well as entertaining is what he has to say about power as an enabler of human awfulness, at every level."—Cynthia Damon, editor and translator of Caesar's Civil War
"If you're fascinated by the Roman emperors—and who isn't?—you'll enjoy this clever and expertly translated set of selections from the granddaddy of all Caesar watchers, Suetonius."—Barry Strauss, author of Ten Caesars: Roman Emperors from Augustus to Constantine
"An accessible translation. . . .there is no doubt that this volume is a timely product in our era of rising authoritarianism across the globe."---Mallory Monaco Caterine, Polis
"How to Be a Bad Emperor is an exuberant, witty, and incisive critique of four power-hungry egomaniacal Roman emperors. . . . Superbly translated."---Antonio Battagliotti, Open History
"A deft introduction to the world and mindset of the Caesars."
"[In How to Be a Bad Emperor], Osgood has provided an important reminder of the delicacy of systems, and how once they are overturned, the citizenry will be eagerly and easily trammeled by power hungry narcissists."---Mary Spencer, New Criterion
"[How to Be a Bad Emperor] cleverly reproduces the choicest bits of Suetonius’s writings."---Adrian Woolridge, Bloomberg Opinion
"Fun and instructive."---Brook Manville, Forbes.com
"How to Be A Bad Emperor deftly demonstrates what tendencies make a poor leader and exposes fatal character flaws along with a good dose of humour. It's a rollicking, funny, and educational eyeopener on Roman leadership, and a great introduction for newcomers to Suetonius' work. A must-read for anyone interested in Roman History."---Sandra Alvarez, Ancient History Magazine
"[How to Be a Bad Emperor is] a look at some of the worst emperors from history and how they failed. I am a big believer in learning from cautionary tales, and while of course many of the stories from ancient Rome are extreme, there is plenty to take note of here."---Ryan Holiday, Reading List Newsletter
"A gleeful new compendium of dastardly highlights from Suetonius' The Lives of Caesars . . . Horribly fascinating."