Tacitus' works still have a profound effect on the way we see the early Roman Principate. However, the level of truth in this picture must be examined critically. For on closer analysis, in his portrayal Tacitus did not always stick to his principle of impartial reporting. Often the apparent objectivity of the description of events has an undertone of purely subjective interpretation. Drawing on the books covering the reigns of Tiberius and Claudius, this volume traces the various techniques Tacitus used to influence his reader.