Augustus by E. S. Shuckburgh

Augustus was perhaps the most successful ruler in history. He found his world on the verge of collapse. He evoked order out of chaos, established what was practically a new form of government without too violent breach with the past, breathed fresh meaning into old names and institutions, and could be seen as a reformer rather than an innovator. He worked ceaselessly to maintain the order he established, and nearly every part of his great empire had reason to be grateful for increased security, expanding prosperity, and added amenity of life.