I'm always on the hunt for Syvanne's books, the way he talks about military history is one that's so interesting to me. Although I'm not necessarily always in the mood for this genre, the way concepts are shown is something I quite enjoy, making them palatable to someone who isn't necessarily versed in the subject. Maps are key to these works, and the way they're incorporated is amazing. Ultimately, if you enjoy history, you'll probably like this; there's a wealth of information presented with a clear voice by someone who is actually interested in the topic, and you can tell by the way he writes.

As the title suggests, focusing as it does on a relatively brief period of the declining Roman Empire, this is a comprehensive account of the significant military actions involving Roman armies; their allies and auxiliaries; and the many competing armies pressing on the Empire from outside and, increasingly, from within the Empire.

Dr Svyanne clearly lives and breathes this period of history that is so often dismissed in a few lines in the history most of us read at school. Inevitably, a focus on such a slim slice of history is not for the faint-hearted; the accounts of the many actions are given in comprehensive detail and are well illustrated with maps and diagrams. Equally inevitably, and quite properly for an author with Dr Svyanne’s passion for the period and his significant references to a wide range of sources, there is much in his account that is prefaced with ‘probably’, ‘in my opinion’ or ‘might‘. However, the way in which the author weaves together a consistent and comprehensive account of this turbulent period is such that such departures from what is demonstrably the case from primary sources to include a personal interpretation from the range of possibilities feels entirely natural. It is also to Dr Svyanne’s credit that he is clear where an opinion is given, rather than a fact or a consensual agreement.

This is the fourth book of a 7 book series. I didn't realise, and haven't read the first 3 books. I wish I had. Not because I think I would have enjoyed this book more, but because it would have been better for me to read them in order. The title, "Military History of Late Rome 425-457", sounds like the book might be a bit dry - it's not. It's very, very well-written and laid out in a simple way so it's easy to keep track of events. There are plenty of maps and photos to support the text, and I found them equally as interesting.

My thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for an advance copy to review. This review is entirely my own, unbiased, opinion.

I read this book out of curiosity as I thought the Roman Empire was pretty much gone by the time of 425 AD. I was very wrong! I never knew the power and influence the Emoire still had nor did I understand how the flow of history would progress . The Romans had a lot to deal with, especially all the newcomers looking for land to farm and escaping the invaders from the east. The Romans still had a plan I found out and it pretty mcuh did work. The Goths and Huns were absorbed into the Empire and it went on. The illustrations and pictures are excellent. There are pictures of modern people wearing the uniforms . Not just line drawings or artists renderings but real actually realistic copies of the soldiers and their uniforms. Excellent and very interesting.The detail and references are given and this book IMO is going to be a historical addition to military and anyone interested libraries.