This work investigates the methodological challenges inherent in using literary texts to reconstruct the history of the Roman world. David Potter, a scholar of classical antiquity, evaluates the diverse textual sources available to modern historians and analyzes how ancient authors shaped their own historical narratives. By contrasting traditional historical accounts with alternative literary forms, the author provides a framework for understanding how different paradigms were constructed and utilized within the Roman empire.

Scholars and students of classical history frequently cite this text as a foundational introduction to the complexities of Roman historiography. The prose is noted for its accessibility, making it a standard resource for those beginning to navigate the critical analysis of ancient sources.