This little volume, arranged in four books (it is more commonly found broken into two "books"), is an epitome, or summary, of Roman History, from the founding of the city down to the reign of Augustus, with special emphasis on the wars waged by the Romans. The much glossed text (explanatory notes arranged around the main body of the work — see photo) is followed by an epitome of Livy's history of Rome, a chronological table based on Florus, and an extensive index.
Little is known about the author, even his full name is uncertain, though it is usually written, as here, Lucius Annaeus Florus. Whether he is the same man as the poet who was friends with Horace is possible, but no one can be sure.