In this short scholarly work the German historian, Wilhelm Ihne, elucidates what is known or can be deduced about Rome's early history, from the time of its legendary founders and kings, through the establishment of the Republic, to the invasion of the Gauls in 390 B.C. Ihne writes that "No great state known to history can be traced to such a small beginning as Rome." This book shows how the slow evolution of Rome's political institutions, through class conflict and compromise, created a state which, despite few natural advantages, was destined to rule the world. (Pamela Nagami, M.D.)