The X-ray tube having a rotating and linearly translating anode includes an evacuated shell having a substantially cylindrical anode rotatably mounted therein. The substantially cylindrical anode may be rotated through the usage of any suitable rotational drive, and the substantially cylindrical anode is further selectively and controllably linearly translatable about the rotating longitudinal axis thereof. A cathode is further mounted within the evacuated shell for producing an electron beam that impinges on an outer surface of the substantially cylindrical anode, thus forming a focal spot thereon. X-rays are generated from the focal spot and are transmitted through an X-ray permeable window formed in the evacuated shell.