The History of Rome is a monumental history of ancient Rome. Books 21-30 discuss the Second Punic War, from 218 to 202 BC. Livy details the Battle of the Trebia, the defeats of Lake Trasimene and Cannae, the fall of Syracuse, the first Macedonian War, and the revolt of Indibilis and Mandonius. The books are written in a mixture of annual chronology and narrative, with frequent interruptions to announce the elections of new consuls. The History of Rome originally comprised 142 'books,' thirty-five of which still exist in reasonably complete form today. Because Livy was writing under the reign of Augustus, Livy's history emphasizes the great triumphs of Rome. He wrote his history with embellished accounts of Roman heroism in order to promote the new type of government implemented by Augustus when he became emperor. This case laminate collector's edition includes a Victorian inspired dust-jacket.