'The title of this book promises something new: a study of the social structure of the Roman empire and its changes. What Professor Gagé actually gives us, in spite of his own intentions, is broader and not quite so new - virtually a social history of the empire, with particular examination of the 'crisis of the third century' and Rostovtzeff's explanation of that crisis. (...) Of Gagé's analysis of the classes certain criticisms must be made. First, he gives a misleading picture of the 'equites' as a social class. (...). A second point of criticism is that, (...) Gagé says little about the great class of slaves. (...) Nor, thirdly, is enough attention given to the 'familia Caesaris', a small but distinct and interesting class whose hierarchy, tendency to marry ingenuae, and other important features are being illuminated by Weaver. In his sorties into the field of explanation of social changes Gagé seems fast attached to some general concepts which are under heavy fire nowadays and ought therefore at least to be argued. (...) Gagé is well known for his valuable contributions to the religious history of the ancient worlds, and he includes in this book numerous interesting observations arising from his specialism. (...) These observations, however, sometimes beguile the author rather far from his central theme.' (JOHN CROOK in The Classical Review (New Series), 1966, pp.100-102). From the library of the late Prof. Dr. Tony Reekmans.