comment on tone

The Jewish War by Josephus is presented by the author as a rigorous objective rendering of the facts of historical events that occurred during the approximate one hundred year period from 167 B.C. through 73 A.D. In his own words the author states "as to its truth, I should not hesitate to declare without fear of contradiction that from the first word to the last I have aimed at nothing else." The work is admittedly objectively written, replete with references, tables, charts, end-notes, time line, chronology and supporting appendices. Historical characters and events are described in excruciating detail. However objective the author's purpose and tone was intended, its origin in his perception was subjective. He was a participant in some activity transcribed. To that extent he cannot be a fully objective recorder of the facts since he was a principal in some actions.