This book is a study of the various claims to authority made by the ancient Greek and Roman historians throughout their histories, and of the way in which the tradition of ancient historiography shaped their responses and molded the presentation of themselves to their audience. Guiding them in their claims to be authoritative was the tradition of the founders and best practitioners of history, Herodotus and Thucydides.

"A major contribution to the study of ancient historiography that belongs in all university libraries."

"One strength of the book is its range; Marincola covers narrative historians from Herodotus to Ammianus Marcellinus and treats those whose works survive only in fragments as well as those for whom we have complete or substantial works. A useful appendix lists forty-eight authors, their works and the periods they treated. The author addresses a scholarly audience, and the book is likely to appeal to those whose interests are more literary than strictly historical."

"This book essential for all university libraries and highly recommended for any scholar interested in ancient historiography."