This is a thoroughly exciting narrative and analysis of the fall of the Western Roman Empire. Throughout, Heather displays a firm grasp of the complex relationship between the Romans and the barbarian hordes that would ultimately destroy the empire. He also analyzes the arguments of other historians on this era and systematically shoots down their arguments with firm evidence and convincing conjecture. An added plus to this narrative is that he attempts to leave nothing out. On an era that is sometimes clouded by lack of evidence and reminiscences of the glory of Rome, Heather gives a clear narrative that can enlighten both laymen and professional historians alike. One drawback to this book is that Heather does tend to write out his analysis for too long. This tends to make reading the book a bit of a chore, but it almost never last more than two pages. I would strongly recommend this book to anyone interested in knowing about the end of one of the greatest periods in western civilization.