This companion to the Penguin translation of Tacitus' book XIV provides commentary on an important period of Roman history, the years 59-62 AD when Nero was freed (mainly by murder) from the restraints imposed by Agrippina, Burrus and Octavia. The commentary pays special attention to Tacitus' use of stylistic devices to emphasis important events and traits of personality.

The late Norma Miller was Reader in Classics, Royal Holloway College, University of London.