An exceptionally well written, organized and presented study, "Marcus Agrippa: Right-Hand Man of Caesar Augustus" is a significant and strongly recommended pick for personal, professional, community, and college/university library Ancient Roman History & Biography collections and supplemental curriculum studies lists.

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Midwest Book Review

Powell portrays Agrippa in a vivid way, bringing this key figure of the Principate out of the shadow. His book is a fine and original introduction to these troubled years of historical translation, leading the reader through the end of the Republic, the Civil Wars and the birth of the Roman Empire.

Society of Ancient Military Historians

Whew, is about all I can say. I am always in awe with the why and the how that authors write these kinds of in depth, really in depth, books. This is absolutely the quintessential book on Caesar Augustus's right hand man - Marcus Agrippa. As I continued to read this, I could not help thinking about how it correlates to today's America and the whole political happenings, currently. Very very interesting.

Ellie Barrett, Netgallery

The book really hits its stride with the battle of Actium, which was certainly the highlight of Agrippa's military career. The battle itself is well described. Though we get mostly the author's interpretation of how that controversial battle played out, his version is very credible...

Overall then, the book succeeds in its basic purpose of bringing Agrippa out of the shadow of Augustus and portraying him as a historically important person in his own right. The author's easy writing style and ability to compress complex issues into concise explanations make this book a valuable addition to the library of anyone interested in the formative years of the Roman empire.

UNRV History

A terrific book especially for historians and academics who will find a wealth of information in it. A really good effort...... Surely the documentation, footnotes, bibliography, will be well received by academics. Its going to be a very valuable reference book on Agrippa. Frankly, probably better than I could have done.

Quote from Richard A Gabriel

Now I have read your book, I know so much more about this terrific chap......... I do find it sad and extraordinary that he has never caught the eye of the Royal Navy's Ship's Naming Committee in the past. We have had Caesar, Cleopatra, loads of Greek heros in the Leander class but no ship bearing the name of a man who exemplified so many of the qualities that the Royal Navy prides itself in instilling in its people: tragic!

Thank you for doing such a comprehensive job of bringing the man to the public's attention in your scholarly but highly readable biography.

Commodore D J M Mowlam, Royal Navy

I first came upon the name Marcus Agrippa as a child, not in a completely historical context but one which has always remained with me. Agrippa, played by the actor Francis de Wolf, delivers his opening line:

I’m Agrippa!

Kenneth Connor, playing the part of Hengist Pod, a British slave in charge of Caesar’s personal bodyguard replies:

And I know one or two holds myself mate!

The film was, of course, Carry on Cleo.

But who was the real Agrippa? Growing up to be a historian of sorts I became aware that he was one of the men behind Julius Caesar but knew little else. After visiting Rome I began reading about its history and the characters behind it. Agrippa, though only a young man when Julius Caesar was murdered, rose to become the power behind the rise of his friend since childhood, the future Augustus Caesar. This book focuses largely upon that friendship. As with all biographies of ancient people some incredible detective work has to be undertaken to reconstruct elements of their lives and the author seems to have left no stone unturned.

The book recounts Agrippa’s rise from relatively humble beginnings to becoming, not only the friend of Augustus but also his son in law and Lieutenant. He was responsible for Augustus’s victory at the naval battle of Actium, bringing about the defeat of Marc Anthony and Cleopatra. Through his numerous children, Agrippa would become ancestor to many subsequent members of the Julio-Claudian dynasty, whose position he helped to attain, as well as many other reputed Romans. He died aged 51 in 12BC.

The book has an exhausting and all encompassing set of notes on sources/bibliography etc. which makes this volume of especial use to other historians interested in Roman history. It is also a fascinating and absorbing read for the enquiring amateur. Finally, a one volume all encompassing book, which details Agrippa’s life and recounts all his achievements and associates, I only wish it had been written before my trip to Italy!

As the advertising blurb states, this is the first modern biography of Agrippa in English and a quick check on the Amazon website proves emphatically that this is the case. According to the author biography on the inside back cover he has also turned his attention to two other notable Roman figures, Drusus and Germanicus, which I will be ordering in due course.

Let us hope that this author turns keeps his attention focused on other neglected ancient historical figures and weaves his magic to unravel their lives, thereby enriching those of his readers. This is a five star read.

Chris Heath, author