A leading classical scholar from the University of Oxford, Henry Furneaux (1829–1900) specialised in the writings of the Roman historian Tacitus. Although not originally titled the Annals, this work acquired the name for the style of history it presents, dealing with events year by year, rather than thematically. The Annals cover the reigns of four Roman emperors, beginning after the death of Augustus. While considered to be factually accurate, Tacitus' accounts include moralising interpretations and judgements concerning the behaviour of the historical protagonists. The Annals originally consisted of 16 books dealing with a period of 54 years, but several of them are incomplete or have not survived at all. This volume contains the first four books of the Annals covering the years 14 to 23 C.E. It was first published in 1885 and includes an introduction and notes.