Caesar, Julius

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The Basis of Much Of What We know About These Guys
The Gold Standard of Ancient History
Rome's Tabloid Historian
Dry
Ceasar still lives

The Twelve Caesars (Penguin Classics)
Suetonius
Manufacturer: Penguin Classics
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0140449213
Release Date: 2003-05-06

Book Description

Translated by Robert Graves and Revised with an Introduction by Michael Grant.

Customer Reviews:

The Basis of Much Of What We know About These Guys .......2007-06-16

This is really a fascinating book on so many levels. First so much historical fiction, and drama that has been based on the lives of the Ceasars is indebted to Suetonius as the author who wrote these incredible character sketches. There's much to learn about the personal lives of the famous Roman emperors in this fine translation. This has served as source material for centuries of scholars and writers who found universal truths about human nature and political power in these lives.
Very accessible to the general reader and highly entertaining.

The Gold Standard of Ancient History.......2007-04-17

This translation of Suetonius's Twelve Ceasars translated by Robert Graves with a great introduction by Michael Grant is a history-lover's dream. This is definitely my favorite historial work in translation; it is expertly and lovingly brought to life. To me, anybody should be able to be transported in moments back to ancient Rome in the time of Augustus or Nero and have one hell of a read. Suetonius was a minor government functionary who was given the spectacular opportunity to see the early imperial archives, kind of like a blogger or National Enquirer reporter given the opportunity to look at Clinton-era video surveilance or Nixon's Watergate tapes. This work is one of the most accessible views of ancient history ever. It's filled with lurid sex, gossip, murder, palace coups, degeneracy, monumental building, war, poisonings, etc. If you're going to be a liberal arts major, it pays to know a few dirty stories about the Caesars; this is the book to read.

Rome's Tabloid Historian.......2007-03-26

Suetonius grew up in the years following Nero's reign and wrote these histories while he was the secretary of the emperor Hadrian in the early second century A.D. His book covers the successive reigns of Julius Caesar, Augustus, Tiberius, Caligula, Claudius, Nero, Galba, Otho, Vitellius, Vespasian, Titus, and Domitian.

The stories focus on the emperors themselves more than the events which took place under their reigns and, although there's certainly some truth to those emperors, many of Suetonius' facts are anecdotal stories and rumors. Suetonius has therefore been called one of the first tabloid writers. Nevertheless, his biographies are rather concise and systematic; touching upon the physical attributes of the ruler, his background, the good deeds (if any) in his reign and then, of course, the bad deeds.

Robert Graves' translation is superb and probalby one of the best ones available. It is quite faithful to the generally jovial mood of Suetonius' work and presented with a good introduction by reputed historian Michael Grant. I can't help but be amused at some of the stories Suetonius recites on Nero and Caligula as they are definitely two of the most eccentric emperors (to put it lightly)that ever ruled the Principate. For example, when Nero first inaugurated his new gigantic Golden House with a mile-long corridor and a 130' statue of himself at the entrance, he was said to have exclaimed, "At last! I can live like a human being!"

Dry.......2007-02-24

I found the book very dry and decided not to use it for my students.

Ceasar still lives.......2007-01-12

The material in this book is almost unbelievable.To think that our civilization began in such horrors is almost unimaginable.
But the reading of it was fastinating. The prose excellent and fascinating from beginning to end.
I liked the way much of the Hollywood (we Blame them for everything) glitz was blown away and we got to the Truth?
Now I am looking for more once I get through my other books.
Art Lewis.

Julius Caesar (Folger Shakespeare Library)

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Another enjoyable history lesson.
The Power Of Language
Julius Ceasar
et tu brute?
Shakespeare never gets stale

Julius Caesar (Folger Shakespeare Library)
William Shakespeare
Manufacturer: Washington Square Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

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ASIN: 0743482743

Book Description

Folger Shakespeare Library

The world's leading center for Shakespeare studies

<B>Each edition includes:</B>

• Freshly edited text based on the best early

printed version of the play

• Full explanatory notes conveniently placed on pages facing the text of the play

• Scene-by-scene plot summaries

• A key to famous lines and phrases

• An introduction to reading Shakespeare's language

• An essay by an outstanding scholar providing a modern perspective on the play

• Illustrations from the Folger Shakespeare Library's vast holdings of rare books

Essay by Coppélia Kahn

The Folger Shakespeare Library in Washington, D.C., is home to the world's largest collection of Shakespeare's printed works, and a magnet for Shakespeare scholars from around the globe. In addition to exhibitions open to the public throughout the year, the Folger offers a full calendar of performances and programs.

Customer Reviews:

Another enjoyable history lesson........2007-05-24

As with so many of Shakespeare's history and tragedy plays, this one is a wonderful history lesson. It is also a wonderful character portrayal of some well-known historical figures. Brutus is a fine example of one of Shakespeare's most wonderfully portrayed tragic figures. Brutus is the true hero of this tragic play. There are lots of wonderful soliliquays, and the language used is just beautiful. A wonderful play to re-read.

The Power Of Language.......2007-05-16

Julius Caesar is murdered very shortly into this play so while he bears the title the play is about the conspirators and the supporters of caesar and the struggle for power that comes after his asassination. The power of language to persude the masses and the fickle nature of crowds are only a few of the themes that Shakespeare explores.

Shakespeare explores the nature of tyranny, politics and absolute power in ways that must have been remarkably risky and controversial in his day.

Someone below noted that we have come to believe that the events as Shakespeare crafted them in his play are how this really happened. "Et Tu Brutus", etc. This is one of the better known and more widely read of Shakespeare's works and is the way many middle school kids are introduced to Shakespeare (maybe rivaled by Romeo and Juliet).

That said it is a fine drama and after multiple readings will still yield something new to think about or some new phrase that will stick in the readers mind.

When Brutus and Antony each deliver their respective addresses to the crowd following Caesar's death Shakespeare demonstrates a universal truth that people can be persuaded by words and the body politic is susceptable to a good propogandist. As true today as it was then.

Julius Ceasar.......2006-05-24

Julius Caesar
Author: William Shakespeare, 1623
By: Cameron Jones

What would you do if the only people that you trusted on this earth betrayed you? How would you feel if the only friends you had killed you? What would you feel if no one cared anymore about you and wanted you to be gone? Well imagine living in 100 B.C Rome as dictator for life and you were hated. That's the kind of life that Julius Caesar had to live.

William Shakespeare was born on April 23, 1564, and later died on the same date. The only way that they found this out is because Caesar died on the same day he was born. Shakespeare died at 52 years of age.

Caesar resided in the city of Rome where he was dubbed as dictator for life. He was offered King of Rome but declined it due to the fact he didn't want people referring to him as "King". So the main characters of the book, Brutus the friend that betrays Caesar for the sake of Rome, and Cassius the horrible mastermind of the murder get Caesar to go to the capital for a dispute that needs to be settled. Calpurnia, Caesar's wife, told him not to go, that she had a dream of him being the statue of the water fountain and instead of water coming out of him there was blood pouring out of him. But being the man that he was, he was persuaded anyway instead of taking his wife's word for it. So Brutus and Caesar walk into the capital were there was a group of conspirators waiting to stab him repeatedly all over his body. Mark-Antony, Caesar's friend heard about the horrible news and ran away fearing that he would be next. Brutus sent news to Antony telling him that there was no need to run that they wasn't going to harm him and that he needed to come back so that they could have a talk about what happened. Antony returns but not for a little chit-chat but for revenge for his best friend! Antony on the way back home met with a man named Octavius, and he would soon join the army of Antony. While news was sent back home telling Brutus and Cassius that Antony and his new added piece to the chessboard was going to declare was on them! So there was four different army fronts with Brutus one leader and Cassius another, and on the other side there was Antony and Octavius as leaders of each of their men.

Now who will walk away on top will good defeat evil or will evil trample over Antony and his hell bent way to get even with Brutus and Cassius?

I would strongly recommend this book to a mature audience, only because the vocabulary in the book is to strong for the adolescence. As far as that goes the story gives very great detail and a very great picture image in your head. So I would defiantly recommend this book for high school children and older.

et tu brute?.......2006-05-18

This is a book that i have recently finished for the first time reading all the way through. It asks compelling questions through the thoughts and converstations between the main characters and their wives. It also relates to current political parties battling for control of the governtment with a 3rd side party also involved. There are also many ironic and suspenseful moments that kepp you reading evan if you are not reading it for study. Over all, I find it a great novel, but it is not something that I would read again for a long while; but possibly see the play acted out or watch a telivision form.

Shakespeare never gets stale.......2006-04-09

Scholars have expounded on the merits of Shakespeare's work for centuries, so I'm not likely to add anything of value here. I merely want to point out how extraordinary and rewarding it is to read something written 500 years ago that still seems so fresh today. Human nature really hasn't changed at all. Upon rereading this tale of the machinations surrounding the assassination of Julius Caeser, the scene that really stood out for me was the one in which the assassin Brutus and the loyalist Antony take turns addressing the public following Caeser's death. The manner in which the crowd is stirred against Caeser by Brutus and then swayed the opposite way by Antony can be read as a humorous parody of today's poll-driven political scene. When Antony insists that "I have neither wit, nor words, nor worth,/ Action, nor utterance, nor the powers of speech/ To stir men's blood; I only speak right on," I can hear the voices of any number of modern politicians, including good old George W. himself.

Average customer rating:

Great read for history buffs
Loved every page
Truly a breathtaking look at Cleopatra's life
Long But Worth It
Fascinating and tragic Queen

The Memoirs of Cleopatra
Margaret George
Manufacturer: St. Martin's Griffin
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0312187459

Book Description

Bestselling novelist Margaret George brings to life the glittering kingdom of Cleopatra, Queen of the Nile, in this luch, sweeping, and richly detailed saga. Told in Cleopatra's own voice, this is a mesmerizing tale of ambition, passion, and betrayl, which begins when the twenty-year-old queen seeks out the most powerful man in the world, Julius Caesar, and does not end until, having survived the assassination of Caesar and the defeat of the second man she loves, Marc Antony, she plots her own death rather than be paraded in triumph through the streets of Rome.Most of all, in its richness and authenticity, it is an irresistible story that reveals why Margaret George's work has been widely acclaimed as "the best kind of historical novel, one the reader can't wait to get lost in." (San Francisco Chronicle).

Customer Reviews:

Great read for history buffs.......2007-06-09

This 900+ page masterpiece is not for the faint of heart -- you'll spend hours every day poring through the story. It gets exhaustive at times, but this is in accordance with the action, and absolutely heartbreaking at others. I would recommend it to any history buff, and anyone who wants to learn more about the mysterious Cleopatra.

Loved every page.......2007-05-31

Memoirs is a very long book but I found myself loving every page - every word. It truly is a time machine - you will feel transported.

Truly a breathtaking look at Cleopatra's life.......2007-05-20

If you prefer your historical fiction to be non stop action or something you could read over a boring weekend...then this probably isnt your cup of tea.

If you prefer however a book that makes you feel like you have gone back in a time machine - so rich is the detail painted by Maragret Georges excellent prose that it makes the reader feel as though they are front and center with the real Cleopatra - then you will love this epic tale.

While one may know the tales of Cleopatra and her flings with Julius Caesar, Mark Antony and her famous death scene, this book is so much more. George does a tremendous job to recreate the rich settings, hardly documented events and travels in the life of Cleopatra, and customs that abound in the life of the Egyptian royal palace, as well as religion and Egypt itself in such clarity no one can fail but to be awe inspired by Georges account of the times. All-in-all this brings to life the real Cleopatra, not as a superficial 2-dimensional seductress (of Hollywood fame)but as the truly inspiring figure she was and the reason why she is one of few great ancient historical female figures who come to mind when we recall those times. Fom age 3 onwards, we follow her fears, insecurities, courage, will to succeed and claim her destiny, struggles to understand her own country and protect its interests in a Roman dominated world. Its all here. And added to that is the way George shows Cleopatras, intelligence, humour, gentleness, and loyalty and love for her servants, family and followers as well as her lovers - even when they let her down time and time again including Caesar and Antony.

Its masterful characterisation that brings you to wish Cleopatra and the apparently nobly lovable (in this account) but flawed Mark Antony had succeeded in overcoming Octavian (later Augustus Caesar)and changed history. And it was oh so close. Thats the gift of a marvellous writer - immersing us so much into a long dead persons mind that you feel so one with them and their thoughts and motives - it is almost as though you were side by side with them willing them on at that time. Truly brilliant writing. Highly recommended to the serious lover of high class historical fiction.

As a footnote: The end of the book may leave a bitter taste to the romantics in us; However(little spoiler)..Little Juba II who was paraded in chains by Julius Caesar in one of his many triumphs at age 4 (its in the book and a sweet scene of innocence it is) following his father Juba I's defeat and death in Numibia during the civil wars went on to marry Cleopatra's daughter (paraded in Octavians triumph) and together - after their Roman upbringing - they went on to create a thriving kingdom in Numibia and later Mauretania during a 40 year relationshio full of love. Thus a happy end of sorts.

Long But Worth It.......2007-05-13

I appreciated the author's prodigious research which is necessary to truly capture all aspects of Greco-Egyptian society, and move the story forward. The central character of Cleopatra is compelling enough, but when you add in all of the major figures of the Cleopatran era you get a colorful pastiche of drama, history, and romance. Yes, at times it seemed overlong, but the ending was satisfying, and made the journey worthwhile.

Fascinating and tragic Queen .......2007-04-17

Of all works of fiction, this book certainly gives the most indepth account of the fascinating and tragic Queen of Egypt.

The author has clearly done extensive research and aquits this research well, in an entertaining and exteremly informative way.
Not only does she have an impressive array of books and documents that she studied before embarking on this work, but she travelled to Egypt, Rome, Israel and Jordan, and spent four years working on this epic.

The author explains that her sympathy is with Cleopatra, and that much of the documentation of her story, was compiled at the behest of her arch-foe Octavian, and that some of her enemies included writers and poets such as Cicero, Vergil, Horace, which assured that her version of events would be silenced and the accounts would be skewed against her.
The author explains that the popular modern idea that Cleopatra was unattractive is incorrect, and that the way that coins and statues were done in those days would have made her look less attractive certainly.

The author gives a credible explanation of the death of her second brother Ptolemy, from comsumption,and the truth is we do not know how he died, and there is no conclusive evidence that she did indeed have him murdered.
The book is not only a window into the lives of Cleopatra, Julius Ceasar, Mark Antony and Octavian, but also a portrait of the world of the time, taking us from Egypt to Nubia, Rome, Syria, Anatolia Judea, Armenia and Pathia.

George fills in with an amazing cast of Cleoptra's retinue, such as her chamberlain,the eunuch Mardian, her physician Olympos, and her brilliant Hebrew finance minister, Epaphroditus. The book begins with a fictional account of the rescue of the three year old Cleopatra from a sea accident in which her mother is drowned, Cleopatra's growing up in the Egyptian royal court of Alexandria, the schemes of her sisters Cleopatra and Berenice, the death of her father, the arrival of Julius Ceasar and the incident of her being smuggled to him in a rug, the battles with her siblings, the first Ptolemy and Arsinoe, her romances with Julius Ceasar and then Antony ,and the tragic and ill-fated defeat of Cleopatra and Antony, by the ruthless and scheming Octavian, which could so easily have gone the other way.
One finds oneselves biting ones nails at the end of the book, dealing with Cleopatra's cartivity and her suicide.
A compelling novel, which I read in a week.

Filled with brilliant diaologue and description.

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To Many Liberties With History
Tales of Caesar's Young Adulthood
Conquering all others...
I Loved It!
TV in a book.....

The Death of Kings (Emperor, Book 2)
Conn Iggulden
Manufacturer: Dell
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

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ASIN: 0440240956
Release Date: 2005-01-25

Book Description

The acclaimed author of Emperor: The Gates of Rome returns to the extraordinary life of Julius Caesar in a new novel that takes us further down the path to glory . . . as Caesar comes into his own as a man, warrior, senator, husband, and leader.

In a sparsely settles region of North Africa, a band of disheveled soldiers turn their eyes toward one man among them: their leader, Julius Caesar. The soldiers are Roman legionaries. And their quarry is a band of pirates who dared to kidnap Julius Caesar for ransom. Now, as Caesar exacts his revenge and builds a legend far from Rome, his friend Marcus Brutus is fighting battles of another sort, rising to power in the wake of the assassination of a dictator. Once Brutus and Caesar were as close as brothers, devoted to the same ideals and attracted to the same forbidden women. Now they will be united again by a shock wave from the north, where a gladiator named Spartacus is building an army of seventy thousand slaves—to fight a cataclysmic battle against Rome itself.

Download Description

"Brilliant... stunning," raved the Los Angeles Times about Conn Iggulden's first novel, Emperor: The Gates of Rome. "Iggulden is a grand storyteller," declared USA Today. Now Iggulden returns to the landscape of ancient Rome and the life of Julius Caesar in a new novel filled with all the sumptuous storytelling that distinguished his first book. Sweeping from the windswept, pirate-ruled seas to the stifling heat of the Roman senate, Iggulden takes us further down the path to glory as Julius Caesar comes into his own as a man, warrior, senator, husband, leader.

In a sweltering, sparsely settled region of North Africa, a band of disheveled soldiers turn their eyes toward one man among them. Ragged, dirty, and half starved, the men will follow their leader into the mad, glorious fight for honor and revenge that only he wants to fight. Their leader is named Julius Caesar. The soldiers are Roman legionaries. And their quarry is a band of pirates who made the mistake of seizing Julius Caesar—and holding him for ransom. Now, to get his revenge, Caesar will turn peasants into soldiers, building a shipborne fighting force that will not only decimate a pirate fleet but will dominate the Mediterranean, earning him the coveted title Military Tribune of Rome.

While Caesar builds a legend far from Rome, his friend Gaius Brutus is fighting battles of another sort, rising to power in the wake of the shocking assassination of a dictator. Once Brutus and Caesar were as close as brothers, both devoted to the same ideals and attracted to the same forbidden woman. Now, when Caesar returns—with the winds of glory at his back—they will find themselves at odds. For each has built an army of elite warriors—Caesar's forged in far-flung battles, Brutus' from Rome's political killing fields. But in an era when men die for their treachery and their allegiances, the two men will soon be united by a shock wave from the north. There, a gladiator named Spartacus is gathering strength, building an army of seventy thousand desperate slaves—to fight a cataclysmic battle against Rome itself.

Filled with unforgettable images—from the death throes of a king to the birth of Caesar's child, from the bloody battlefields of Greece to the silent passion of lovers—Emperor: The Death of Kings is an astounding work, a stunning blend of vibrant history and thrilling fiction.

Customer Reviews:

To Many Liberties With History.......2007-05-15

There are so many better books in this genre.

While one must suspend belief with much of the dialogue put into the mouths of the great men of history, it is unforgivable how the author changes well documented important events.

Cato is killed during the Spartacus rebellion by Pompey? No he lived for many years more, died in Africa and should be a MAJOR character in the next books in the series - except the author has decided to kill him off. Ridiculous.

Caesar personally kills Mithridates during a great battle the same year he escaped from pirates??? No such thing happened.

There are many other major changes in History that make this mediocre book and series a must avoid.

Tales of Caesar's Young Adulthood.......2006-12-22

My interest in Julius Caesar & ancient Rome was piqued by viewing HBO's Rome. I really enjoyed the series & read Gods & Legions by Michael Curtis Ford. I started this series with The Death of Kings. If someone read this books & the one that follows, without knowing anything about Rome & Caesar, I think they would really enjoy these books.

I'm far from a historical expert on Caesar & Rome, but there were some historical inaccuracies that distracted me from fully enjoying this book. The main event was the suicide of Cato about 20 years before it actually happened. Cato's suicide infuriated Caesar in real life. He is noted as saying "Cato, I must grudge you your death, as you grudged me the honor of saving your life." Cato's death was one of the final events before Caesar declared his triumph.

The other part of this book & the next is the inclusion of Octavian who was born in 63 B.C. Octavian was born about 1-2 years before Caesar went to Gaul, yet he's at least 6 when Caesar is 19. (Note Gaul is mostly in Book 3.) The author obviously wanted to have Octavian in the series, but this discrepancy was hard to overlook. In the end of each book there is a historical note where the author says where he's changed historical facts for the story. He mentions Cato, but I don't recall him mentioning the age discrepancy of Octavian. He does mention he changed the relation to cousin or something from great uncle. Aside from the historical changes the story is well told & fun to read. I'd recommend these books to anyone interested in ancient Rome unless historical liberties taken to improve story would make it unreadable.

Conquering all others..........2006-12-13

Emperor: The Death of Kings by Conn Iggulden is a book in the Emperor series. This book is about Julius Caesar's life from one of his first military campaigns until his posting in Spain as a governor, a few years later. The book begins with the words "The Fort of Mytilene loomed above them on the hill" pulling me right into the story. Though only a leader of a small unit, Julius Caesar and his group joined by about 20 other men attack this fort being held by rebels. Disaster follows soon after the successful battle because pirates capture the ship Caesar is sailing on as they are leaving the port. For a long time, Caesar and the rest of the officers are trapped in the hold, but they soon escape. After that, Caesar assembles an army and goes after the pirate captain. He finds the pirate captain and has a pitched sea battle. Caesar wins and gets all his money back from when he had to pay his ransom. This is the first of three major battles described in the book. After the second battle, Caesar hears that his old nemesis Sulla has died in Rome. This is important because Caesar is now free to go back to Rome, having sworn not to return to Rome while Sulla was alive. The reason for the hatred between the two men must have been explained in the first book of the series. While in Rome Caesar is in Rome he must struggle with all the events that have happened while he was away. For example, his father's house was being occupied by one of Sulla's friends Antonidus also known as Sulla's "dog". Caesar kicks Antonidus out of the house resulting in a trial, which Caesar wins. After this trial, Caesar goes to battle having been recently promoted. The battle was incredibly successful because the Roman soldiers were better trained than the slaves who they were fighting. Immediately after the battle, Caesar is posted to Spain as a Governor where the book ends. There are many characters: some military people, some family and some friends. Some characters are famous in history such as Caesar's friend Brutus and his successor Octavian. The parts of the book in Rome have to do with the political aspects, which are extremely complicated because everyone is vying for power. A friend can become an enemy in a second. The book was complicated, attention grabbing and if you are afraid of long words, do not read it. The story seemed jerky at first, but then I realized that it really flowed smoothly. I particularly enjoyed reading about the trial because it was extremely suspenseful. Because of the author's style of writing, the book is energetic and interesting. Iggulden's characters are well described and are consistent in their actions throughout the story. Sometimes the author does not give enough detail about certain events and must be assumed from the first book; however, the action is fun to read and I liked it.

I Loved It!.......2006-11-23

"The Death of Kings", (second in the Emperor series), follows on from the first, taking in the period from the capture and imprisonment of Caesar up to the rebellion of Spartacus. It follows on directly from the first volume, so should not be read independently of that one.

Firstly, as I did not read this book for the historical accuracy, (I would have read a real historical non-fiction book, if I actually cared that much), I couldn't give too much of a toss about the liberties that Iggulden took with it, within certain broad limits. Especially, considering that he is so open about these liberties in the first place, (unlike some authors who have been very popular).

The narrative itself is certainly fast paced and keeps you moving from one thing to the next with a vigorous and frenetic energy. It is sometimes a bit lax on the details, but the sacrifice to speed is liveable. It not a book that presents a lot of profound comments on the life of Caesar, but it is an action novel. And it has plenty of it. I enjoyed the pace and the action a lot, and it was a rip-roaring read for that.

The characterisations were rather good, though sometimes a bit like a cardboard cut-out. I was especially drawn to the character of Cornelia in her reactions to the newly returned Caesar after Sulla had had his way with her. Her bitterness and anger, coupled with her strong desire to draw Caesar near her, were poignant and interesting. She is perhaps the deepest character of the series so far.

The book is not deep, and it takes a lot of liberties with the historical truth. However, if that is a concern, might I recommend real history books and not novels. This is a fast paced adventure novel with a lot of fighting, intrigue and other stuff. There is even romance, though I have skipped through as much of that as possible. If you are into a fast read that is not too taxing, I recommend this one. Just read the first one before you get to this one.

TV in a book............2006-11-21

Conn Iggulden's The Death of Kings proves to be a somewhat entertaining but ultimately disappointing book. The book is part of a series of fictional account of life and time of Julius Caesar. The author cheerfully admit that he took departures from history and as one previous reviewer states, this book have become more of a historial fantasy then fiction. I thought the book was written more like a script for a TV show. Why would anyone write a "historial fiction" if it not base on history?

Outside of lack of history in this historical story, I found the author's style to be bit pulpish. His Roman era characters act and sound much like those born in our era. His story move fast and loose. In order to enjoyed it, you really have to suspend all sense of reality with this narrative.

Overall, this is the first book I read in the series and I am not encourage to read another. I supposed for those whose interest in history is somewhere beneath 7th or 8th place and just want to read a fast action pulp fantasy with historical names, this book may be for you. I found watching HBO's ROME to be far more of a historical fiction then this book. Doesn't that sound bit ironic??

Average customer rating:

2000 Plus years old and still going strong
Caesar third person account of his conquest of the Gallia
Insights into a Brilliant Mind
For Miss Rogers who loved her Latin so much A note on the style of the work
The Greatest General - in his own words

The Conquest of Gaul (Penguin Classics)
Julius Caesar
Manufacturer: Penguin Classics
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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The Civil War (Penguin Classics)
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The Twelve Caesars (Penguin Classics)
Selected Works (Penguin Classics)
The History of Rome from Its Foundation, Books XXI-XXX: The War with Hannibal (Penguin Classics)

ASIN: 0140444335

Amazon.com

Gallia est omnis divisa in partes tres... It is, perhaps, the most famous opening line of any memoir in Western civilization. What Caesar and the Romans called "Gaul," although we usually think of it as France, also comprised Belgium, the German lands west of the Rhine, southern Holland, and much of Switzerland. This is the only military campaign of the ancient world for which we have a chronicle written by the general who conducted it, and Julius Caesar is an insightful historian, with a keen eye for detail, as in this scene from the repulsion of the forces of the German king Ariovistus: <blockquote>Caesar placed each of his five generals ahead of a legion and detailed his quaestor to command the remaining legion, so that every soldier might know that there was a high officer in a position to observe the courage with which he conducted himself, and then led the right wing first into action, because he had noticed that the enemy's line was weakest on that side.</blockquote>

Customer Reviews:

2000 Plus years old and still going strong.......2007-01-10

If the pre-christian world is where your interests are this book belongs in your collection. The good old days when power and might formed and held together the greatest empire to ever rule the known world.

Caesar third person account of his conquest of the Gallia.......2006-12-22

De Bello Gallico - Julius Caesar third person account of his conquest of Gaul (modern day France, and large parts of Switzerland and Belgium, approximately) is well known for its opening line: Gallia est omnis divisa in partes tres... This military chronicle brings us back to a time when rules of engagement were very different to our own: today, Caesar would be facing charges of genocide at the International Criminal Court for wiping out the Helvetii, for example. The book is fascinating at times but is also repetitive - so many tribes gets you confused. But it allows us to see a very different morality to our own - Caesar naturally thought nothing of killing, ethnically cleansing or enslaving his enemies, as well as a picture of the lives of the european tribes that lived outside the Roman empire. A must for Asterix fans.

Insights into a Brilliant Mind.......2006-12-01

I found this book very hard to put down once I finished the introduction. Caesar's writing style is crisp (and unique - he writes in the third person) and blatantly political. The best parts of the book are his descriptions of the customs and habits of the various peoples, and the self laudatory comments that pepper the narrative. An opportunity to see into the mind of one of history's most fantastic figures.

For Miss Rogers who loved her Latin so much A note on the style of the work .......2005-11-08

Miss Rogers was a Latin teacher in Troy, New York for many years. She loved Latin and had a pleasant and loving attitude to her students. It was from her that I first heard, "Omnia Gallia in tres partes divisa est" She made us memorize certain passages in her beloved language.
So my first view of this ' classic' is not as a 'book to be read' but as a text to be studied in order to learn Latin grammar.
And what I felt in learning this is how logical, clear and straightforward it all seems to be. The style of the work as I understand it is a reflection of that strong, determined, clear, goal- oriented, straightforward moving Roman spirit that conquered a great part of the world.
As for the text itself, the character of Caesar, the military operations. Others more qualified than myself have already commented on this on the 'Amazon site'. I would just say that for some reason I had at that time years ago great sympathy for Vercingetorix, the defeated leader of the Gauls. I could not understand why he had to be defeated since he was in his own land fighting to defend his own people. I thought simple Justice would have him prevail. And as a young person I was dismayed at his despite his great courage being defeated.
As for the Romans even Caesar they inspire respect more than love, and admiration for their courage is balanced by a disdain for their appetite for conquest and domination.

The Greatest General - in his own words.......2005-10-28

This used to be the manual for every young noble going to war as an officer. Today it is a historical document showing the roman republic in war, and in particular a portrait of how the great Ceasar would like his friends, enemies and history to see him. This book has shaped the thinking of allmost every military commander for 2000 years, and it would be a shame not to read the words penned by the dictator himself.

Average customer rating:

Going donwhill fast
End of an era, change in main characters for McCullough's Rome series
Tedious and cliched
The Masters Of Rome Series: Book 3-Fortune's Favorite's
A Fine Continuation of a Great Series

Fortune's Favorites
Colleen McCullough
Manufacturer: Avon
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

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The Grass Crown
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The First Man in Rome
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ASIN: 0380710838

Book Description

They were blessed by the gods at birth with wealth and privilege. In a time of cataclysmic upheaval, a bold new generation of Romans vied for greatness amid the disintegrating remnants of their beloved Republic. But there was one who towered above them all -- a brilliant and beautiful boy whose ambition was unequaled, whose love was legend and whose glory was Rome's. A boy they would one day call "Caesar."

Customer Reviews:

Going donwhill fast.......2006-09-24

While her research is (as always) amazing, the series is going downhill fast. This book is BORING. Hundreds of pages of political soap opera with some action here and there. After 400 pages, I just can't suffer through it anymore. It's like flipping back and forth between reading transcripts of "All My Children" and the "Congressional Record." I bought the whole series as a set but I won't be finishing it.

The quest for good historical fiction continues...

End of an era, change in main characters for McCullough's Rome series.......2006-05-11

EDIT: The low rating was a mistake on my part. McCullough's writing and plot is spellbinding, and my rating does not reflect the quality of her work, but rather the characterization and failure to make her characters identifiable or likeable in the eyes of the reader.

With "Fortune's Favorites", the great characters we came to know and love from the first two ("The First Man in Rome" and "The Grass Crown") like Gaius Marius, Lucius Cornelius Sulla, Marcus Livius Drusus, Quintus Servilius Caepio, Quintus Sertorius, Quintus Caecilius Metellus Numidicus, Quintus Caecilius Metellus Pius, etc, pass on (not necessarily die, but fade from the book's center spotlight) replaced by the two new stars and their legions of clients, friends, foes, etc, Gaius Julius Caesar and Gnaeus Pompeius Magnus.

Caesar and Pompeius are the popular two in Roman stories and such, and now McCullough dramatizes them.

Unfortunately, I was very disappointed with this book. I had bought all her books (in chronological order: "The First Man in Rome", "The Grass Crown", "Fortune's Favorites", "Caesar's Women", "Caesar", and "The October Horse") planning to read them all in order (and taking almost an entire month for each one! @_@) and had just finished the first two, then moved on to this one. I finished this one in the beginning of this month (May) and upon retrospect and reading some 90 pages of "Caesar's Women" I can say I was very disappointed with this one.

Whereas the first two book introduced likable characters like Gaius Marius (who was your hero until he went mad) and Lucius Cornelius Sulla (our tamer Caligula we all love to hate) and all the other bunch, McCullough moves on to two new heroes who are... for lack of better words, cold heartless selfish greedy sniveling weasly jerks.

While history varies in the depictions of Caesar and Pompeius (the prime two in this new era of the series), McCullough chooses portrayals of the two which really disconnect them with the reader and makes them the type of people you want to hate but you'd look like a jealous jerk for doing so because everyone loves them and they're so wildly successful.

Pompeius is depicted as a VERY angry, shrewd little man with a one-track mind focused only on his own glory. A "his way or the highway" sort of attitude, in which he throws fierce temper tantrums when things don't go his way (such as when the elephants in his triumph couldn't fit through the final gates). It would be sort of amusing reading about his temper tantrums and his hectic relationships with people, but it's not. It's very laborious trying to be interested in this very temperamental and very selfish man who you can't even label as an antagonist.

Caesar is done even worse. With modern times, depictions of Caesar appear to be one of a bold, cunning, and ambitious man. McCullough takes that to whole new levels, portraying Caesar (perhaps inadvertently) as a BOLD, CUNNING, and AMBITIOUS man to the max, and... very very VERY morally loose, jerky, greedy, selfish, and a very repugnant, hateable man. His treatment of women, too, is so hideous (even Sulla in the previous books wasn't so ghastly and cold-hearted as Caesar) that an apathetic little girl like me cringes in disgust and makes me feel like a feminist.

Caesar is portrayed as brave, intelligent, clever, cunning, beautiful (though I strongly beg to differ), and so great as to have ambitions beyond a normal Roman's. Yet for inexplicable reasons, Caesar feels the need to advance in Roman politics and be Consul (there's no elaboration on his highest goals or what he plans to do after he becomes Consul---just that he'll be Consul when its his time, and nothing more). This masking of goals from the reader really puts Caesar in limbo and sort of shows him as a lethargic vagabond wandering about aiming for the Consulship, then perhaps to wander about like a reckluse doing nothing more. An interesting mid-way view for the author, but it's a bit unfulfilling if she takes no stance on her character. It's not a history, so there's no need to be unbiased.
Caesar (with the shocking acceptance of his mother Aurelia) also begins on a really sick "campaign" to have sex with as many political rivals' wives as possible, even if they aren't his enemies! This very lewd and disgustingly Caligulan campaign of sex goes on for a long long time, and breaks lots of hearts and sullies many reputations (with Caesar wickedly smirking as his foes and potential foes crumble). He is so detached and cold that we aren't even sure if he loves his wife, Cinnila, for whom he defies Sulla and risks being killed just to stay married to her!

Since I've just begun with "Caesar's Women" I'm going to include some of it in here:

Caesar continues his crude, heartless campaign of seducing noble women and sexing them for his own gain. He even becomes "lovers" with Servilia Caepionis (Marcus Junius Brutus's mother) and is so cold and detached to her, you genuinely cannot believe they are in love, it is simply not believable.

Not much else is developed on Pompeius other than he wants fame and recognition and has a short temper. Caesar is depicted as very cold and heartless and overall a very very VERY strong contradiction to the great hero he is depicted as by some people (and a contradiction to the great hero McCullough depicted Gaius Marius as)

I was very disappointed with "Fortune's Favorites" and its... diabolical new stars. That's the only word I could think of. Some of the minor subplot stories are dabbled upon with the faintest touch of a fingertip, including the story of Spartacus which lasts maybe less than fifty pages and very few minor characters aside from Cicero (who is given very little page-time) and Crassus (made very very aloof and boring to read about) and some other big names who are given virtually no development and not used much at all other than as names tossed around and political obstacles to Caesar and Pompeius. Very disappointed in this one. It's very sickening and laborious reading about Caesar now, after the greatness of Marius and Sulla.

Tedious and cliched.......2006-01-20

I noted in my review of another book in this series the problems with McCullough's style. The problems are compounded in this book. Before, characters were constantly grinning. They still do here, but now they're also constantly shivering or shuddering. One constantly sees clumsy, amateurish sentences like, "Aurelia shivered, grimaced." I found one instance of characters shivering four times in two facing pages. Cliches are piled up in vast heaps. Sulla "died hard." Sheesh. And the description of his death couldn't possibly be more hackneyed and silly.

More obsession with blue eyes "ringed with a blue so dark it was almost black." More obsession with "small white teeth" and "large yellow teeth." Sulla is described again and again as having a "naked clawed creature within, fit only to howl at the moon." I've seen that particular nugget perhaps 30 times over three volumes; when I see it yet again, it makes me want to tear the book to pieces. As does the phrase, "I'm one of fortune's favorites." I can almost hear a trumpet play a sadly comic wah-wah-wahhhh after every one of those.

But the real problem with this volume is the storytelling. That is what usually makes McCullough's books worth reading. But the story remains untold in this one. Oh, there's plenty of gossip about this person marrying that, and ephemeral political alliances that come and go, and the general outline of the events following the Marsian War, including Sulla's dictatorship, are described. But the proscriptions are barely even mentioned. No attempt to build a sense of the terror they inspired. Nothing! Just some periodic muttering between Catulus and Hortensius, who come off sounding like Waldorf and Astoria sitting in the balcony on the Muppets Show. The war with Mithridates appears to be a big upcoming topic in the previous book, but it's only glanced at here with casual asides.

Mostly this book offers an endless series of disconnected incidents and anecdotes. Young Caesar has all the depth and believability of a cardboard cutout. Pompey is somewhat more believable, but in a cartoonish way.

The character of Sulla himself is deeply unsatisfying as well. The historical character of Sulla is certainly an engima, but a novelist has to take a stand and flesh out the character one way or the other, and then suffer the endless nitpicking of the historical purists. But the character of Sulla is particularly lifeless in this book, even more lifeless than McCullough's characters tend to be. I get no sense of what made him tick, apart from a taste for the ridiculous, and for wine and men. And he constantly asks himself why he doesn't know what love is. Honestly, at times the purple prose and laughable dialogue border on the kind of stuff written for pubescent girls. "Of course you know what love is, Sulla! You love Rome!"

Wah-wah-wahhhh.

There are a few fairly vivid (and entirely fictional) scenes in the book that are worth reading, but mostly this book is a complete dud. I'm a bit over halfway and giving serious consideration to giving up on this one. It's quite rare for me to give up on a book.

Incidentally, the fifth book in the series, "Caesar," while still suffering from some serious flaws, is far, far more entertaining than this rubbish. The first and second books, "First Man in Rome" and "The Grass Crown," are also better, though it was in "The Grass Crown" that I first became weary of the painfully bad cliches that McCullough refuses to part with.

UPDATE: I've now finished the book. And the second half is considerably better. But there was really nowhere to go but up. The story of Spartacus is pretty interesting, though as always, McCullough's style never rises above mediocre. And the phrase "fortune's favorite" keeps popping up like the refrain in one of those never-ending children's poems. The characters of Caesar and Pompey are spruced up a bit toward the end too, although Crassus is repeatedly described as bovine and expressionless. That's pretty funny, coming from an author who has everyone else exhibiting such an endless stream of exaggerated facial expressions that one almost might think one had stumbled into an ancient mime colony.

The Masters Of Rome Series: Book 3-Fortune's Favorite's.......2006-01-05

I first read Colleen McCullough's Masters Of Rome epic series some years ago, and just recently, picked them up again. McCullough's grasp of Roman life and politics, during its decline, is nothing short of amazing.

Fortunes Favorite's picks up where it left us in the Grass Crown. Cornelius Sulla, after a barbaric and bloody campaign within Rome itself, has made himself Dictator of Rome. The once handsome man is now appallingly ugly, beset by sores, nearly toothless and completely bald, due to what we now call diabetes.

After a long series of proscriptions, which included confiscation of properties and Roman status, Sulla begins to legislate a series of laws, that in the main, prove beneficial to a Republic tottering on the brink of collapse.

Julius Caesar has been ordered by Sulla, to divorce his child wife Cinna, and refuses. The meeting between the two men-one badly aged and ill, and the young and very virile Caesar is fascinating. The decision that comes of this meeting has breathtaking consequences, that echo throughout history.

Pompey Magnus, a superb Commander, but still a young man is a threat to both Sulla and Caesar, but for differing reasons. Vain and given to horrifying juvenile tantrums when thwarted, Pompey manages to align himself with Caesar.

Colleen McCullough never takes the easy way out to keep her readers engaged, and never uses trite or "popular" story lines. For example, though she mentions Caesar's virility with women throughout her books, she never uses them in a way lesser authors might. Caesar is what he is: a Roman Patrician who only uses women to hurt his rivals.

Cicero, Crassus, the Cotti, and Scipio gens are all brilliantly brought to life. One of the most annoying characters in the series has to be Cato. Mocked as a child for his big head and small body, coupled with a beaky nose, he is the quintessential pedant, who dedicates his life to bringing Caesar down. Yet he is a moral man, living amid amoral people, and this ultimately proves his undoing.

When Sulla, as promised, steps down from his Dictatorship, and goes off to live what is left of his life, with the two people he most loves, his wife and his male lover Metrobius, he dies from his excesses. McCullough's treatment of the mess left upon his dying, is both sensitive and touching.

I highly recommend this, and all the other books in the series, beginning with The First Man In Rome, and ending with The October Horse. The parallels with our own society are there to see, and yet, she carries it off so well, the reader is left thoroughly fascinated, and much richer for having read them.

Included with each book are well drawn maps of the areas dealt with, a comprehensive glossary, and an assortment of back and white drawings taken directly from classical busts of many of the characters in the series.

This is the best melange of history and fiction I've had the privilege to read in years, and I cannot recommend it highly enough for anyone interested in learning about the time before the fall of the Roman Empire.

A Fine Continuation of a Great Series.......2005-12-29

FORTUNE'S FAVORITES is Colleen McCollough's third novel in her Rome series, and I believe her best so far. The great characters of Roman history are assembling and she breathes live into them as only a novelist of her skill can. The Rome series is based upon the work of the ancients including Plutarch, Seutonius and others; although she is true to her historical roots she also introduces some theories of her own that have a degree of plausiblity.

The book covers twelve years of Roman history and begins with Sulla's return from exile to lead his forces against those of his former patron and mentor the late Gauis Marius. Upon winning this civil war, Sulla is named Dictator with total control. He purges Rome of the pro Marius senators and collaborators and begins to single-handedly reestablish and remake the Republic; completing this work he leaves public life. He's given Rome a last chance but the seeds of empire have been planted, ironically by him, and will take root under his successors.

Julius Caesar was introduced in the previous novel, THE GRASS CROWN, but only as a child. In this book his character is developed and his intelligence, courage and political abilities are shown. These are the traits that he will use to create the Empire and reshape Rome. Caesar believes he is truly one of Fortune's Favorites. Pompey the Great, another Favorite and Caesar's future adversary also plays a prominent role, older by about ten years his career has been on a "fast track" with his military genius, wealth and connections. Cicero, a minor player in her second book, has developed into one of Rome's most notable lawyers and orators. Spartacus' rebellion of the slaves occurs during this period and provides a glimpse of gladiator and slave life and the consequences of defying Roman power.

McCullough's novels introduce numerous characters, and at times it is difficult to keep up with them as well as her use of Latin. She does include a glossary, illustrations and maps of the areas where battles are fought and the locations of cities and states that haven't existed for centuries and these help.

This book is exciting, full of intrigue, with a cast that are only read about in history books or seen in a Hollywood rendition. The book can be read as a "stand alone" novel; and she includes synopses of the first two prior to beginning this one; but having read the previous two I would recommend that approach. I found once I started FORTUNE'S FAVORITES it was very difficult to put down.

The October Horse : A Novel of Caesar and Cleopatra

Average customer rating:

Great Finish To An Outstanding Series
Very good book
Historical fiction that reads as if history is happening
"Fall of a Titan".
Caesar's Finale

The October Horse : A Novel of Caesar and Cleopatra
Colleen McCullough
Manufacturer: Simon & Schuster Audio
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:

Caesar: A Novel (Masters of Rome Series)
Caesar's Women (Masters of Rome Series)
Fortune's Favorites
The Grass Crown
The First Man in Rome

ASIN: 0743528182
Release Date: 2002-11-26

Book Description

The final book in her series about the men who established Rome of the Emperors, The October Horse features Gaius Julius Caesar at the height of his stupendous career. When he becomes embroiled in a civil war between Egypt's King Ptolemy and Queen Cleopatra, he finds himself torn between the fascinations of a remarkable woman and his duty as a Roman. Though he must leave Cleopatra, she remains a force in his life as a lover and as the mother of his only son, who can never inherit Caesar's Roman mantle, and therefore cannot solve his father's greatest dilemma -- who will be Caesar's Roman heir?

A hero to all of Rome except to those among his colleagues who see his dictatorial powers as threats to the democratic system they prize so highly, Caesar is determined not to be worshiped as a god or crowned king. Swearing to bring him down, Caesar's enemies masquerade as friends and loyal supporters while they plot to destroy him. Caesar must die, they decide, for only when he is dead will Rome return to her old republican self.

Packed with battles, intrigue, love affairs, and murders, The October Horse hurtles toward the assassination, and onto the dangerous consequences of that act -- in which the very fate of Rome is at stake.

Download Description

"In her new book about the men who were instrumental in establishing the Rome of the Emperors, Colleen McCullough tells the story of a famous love affair and a man whose sheer ability could lead to only one end -- assassination. As The October Horse begins, Gaius Julius Caesar is at the height of his stupendous career. When he becomes embroiled in a civil war between Egypt's King Ptolemy and Queen Cleopatra, he finds himself torn between the fascinations of a remarkable woman and his duty as a Roman. Though he must leave Cleopatra, she remains a force in his life as a lover and as the mother of his only son, who can never inherit Caesar's Roman mantle, and therefore cannot solve his father's greatest dilemma -- who will be Caesar's Roman heir? A hero to all of Rome except to those among his colleagues who see his dictatorial powers as threats to the democratic system they prize so highly, Caesar is determined not to be worshiped as a god or crowned king, but his unique situation conspires to make it seem otherwise. Swearing to bring him down, Caesar's enemies masquerade as friends and loyal supporters while they plot to destroy him. Among them are his cousin and Master of the Horse, Mark Antony, feral and avaricious, priapic and impulsive; Gaius Trebonius, the nobody, who owes him everything; Gaius Cassius, eaten by jealousy; and the two Brutuses, his cousin Decimus, and Marcus, the son of his mistress Servilia, sad victim of his mother and of his uncle Cato, whose daughter he marries. All are in Caesar's debt, all have been raised to high positions, all are outraged by Caesar's autocracy. Caesar must die, they decide, for only when he is dead will Rome return to her old ways, her old republican self.

Customer Reviews:

Great Finish To An Outstanding Series.......2007-04-25

I'm a huge Julius Caesar fan, and have been ever since I first discovered him when I was in the seventh grade. The man was a true superstar. One of the most brilliant figures in history. Not only one of the greatest military leaders who ever lived, but also a consummate politician, gifted public speaker, and one of the greatest writers of latin prose ever. He excelled at everything he did. McCullough does an excellent job of portraying Caesar, and the other prominent players from the period of the decaying Roman Republic, in a way that makes their personalities and actions real and understandable. And they are all here: Cicero, Cato, Brutus, Cassius, Octavian, Labienus, Mark Antony, Cleopatra and all the rest. Caesar, however, is the star.

The writing is very good and McCullough's command of the actual history of the period is impeccable. She provides maps to help illustrate events. She has even sketched busts of the main characters which are, as far as possible, true to existing portraiture. She even explains her reasons for choices she makes in situations where the record is ambiguous or unclear. Her characters ring true. It's fiction because she invents conversations and conjures up personal incidents, but it is thoroughly researched and McCullough has full command of the factual material she is covering.

Sometimes, the writing is almost too real. As I approached Caesar's assassination, I knew perfectly well what was coming. Despite that knowledge, however, I found the hair on the back of my neck standing up straight as that brutal and tragic scene unfolded.

THE OCTOBER HORSE is the sixth and, regrettably, final book in McCullough's series about the life of Caesar and the collapse of the Roman Republic. The series is a long one, but it's well worth reading in it's entirety. It relates real events of genuinely epic proportions, and it is superbly done. I loved it and would recommend it to anyone. It is at least as entertaining as any fiction you'll ever read. Ten stars if I could give them.

Very good book.......2007-03-09

This is a very readable account of a period in history which has not been well doncumented in literature [other than glamorous and untrue accounts of Cleopatra]. It is well written with just the right amount of dramatic action involved in what could have been a dusty history. It is a good value at the price and a book that one will read again and again.

Historical fiction that reads as if history is happening.......2006-12-10

In the culminating novel of her series depicting the collapse of the Roman Republic, Colleen McCullough details the events from the end of the war between Gaius Julius Caesar and Pompey the Great, through Caesar's defeating all other opposition, to his own assassination in Rome in 45 BC, to the battles of Philippi that ended the first phase of the civil wars and set the stage for the rise of Augustus and the Empire. "A kingdom for a stage, princes to act, and monarchs to behold the swelling scene" as Shakespeare said in a different context...

As with its predecessors starting with "The First Man in Rome", McCullough's novel is exquisitely detailed, little pieces of everyday Roman life falling into place with the larger scenes to move the plot forward; likewise, the action happens so convincingly that the reader can believe it is happening as it is being read- so that even though we all know Caesar died on that fateful Ides of March in 45 BC, the narration can keep us hoping something will change, something will intervene.

If this tale and its predecessors have a fault, it is that Caesar doesn't have one. It's clear, starting three volumes back with "Fortune's Favorites" that McCullough is an unabashed Caesar-fancier, and the books from that point on are definitely biased in his direction. While Cato, Caesar's perpetual adversary, has a reputation for incorruptibility but is portrayed as narrow, inflexible, small-minded and unyielding, many of the same charges could be laid at Caesar's door - except that he is the hero of the story, so what are faults in Cato's case are strengths or virtues for Caesar. Which doesn't make the story any less fun to read. Caesar was one of the seminal political figures of his age as well as one of the great military minds, and anything that brings him into a closer perspective is worth reading.

"Fall of a Titan"........2006-11-02

Ms McCullough has done a deep historical research in order to write her "Roman Saga" started with "The First Man in Rome" (1990), continued with "The Grass Crown" (1991), "Fortune's Favorites" (1993), "Caesar's Women" (1995), "Caesar" (1999) and "The October Horse" (2002).

She delivers an accurate picture of the late Roman Republic, bringing to life historically characters with amazing detail.
The author follows and reveals step by step all the intricacies of that rich and complex era.
Does this mean that the book is boring? By no means, Ms McCullough is able to show daily life, dressing, feeding, religious rituals, political and social structures in a magnificent fresco and at the same time construct an engaging story that will trap the reader for hours.

The present volume starts in the year 48 BC in the aftermath of Pharsalus when Caesar is looking for Pompey. He arrives to Egypt and immediately starts to arrange everything to his convenience.
He meets Cleopatra and fight to consolidate Roman power in Alexandria. He then returns to Rome just to find Marc Anthony playing his own game.
March to Africa & Spain to end the last Boni resistance.
Finally he returns once more to Rome to meet his fate.

After Caesar's murder Octavius, an ailing youth, is able to marshal his own weakness and jump to the political scene to start an unstoppable career.

The author follows in detail al the steps and maneuvers performed by the "Kill Caesar Club", exposing all its members, giving the reader a clear picture of how the magnicide is planned and executed.

Last but not least the author has drawn beautiful busts of the main characters; detailed maps of different ancient scenarios where action takes place and very complete glossary.

I advise reading the first volumes of the series, but even if you don't do it, you may start here and consider it as a standalone volume.

I strongly recommend this book to any serious history aficionado! It is really a pity that Ms McCullough does not intend to follow Augustus life it will be joyfully received by all her fans (including me).
Reviewed by Max Yofre.

Caesar's Finale.......2006-10-29

Being the last of six 1000 page novels, this book doesn't really need a review. By the time you get to this one you must be sure that you like McCollough's portrayal of the Romans and her style of prose. She does write beautifully. Each paragraph has a purpose and is complete in and of itself. Her descriptions are evocative without being tediously artistic. She gets to the point and says just exactly what she means. Jacques Barzun said that the best authors write in a style that is simple and direct. McCullough's novels are great examples of that style.

This final book in McCollough's saga about the last 80 years of the Roman Republic is as absorbing a read as the first five. However, it has some problems, in particular she had trouble finding the right moment to end the epic. After Caesar is stabbed to death outside Pompey's palace she cobbles on another 3 or 4 chapters to take the reader across the divide into the Empire. So we learn enough about Octavian and Agrippa to become interested in them, and then we are left hanging. I don't presume to suggest a better moment to end the saga, but her treatment of plot andhistory at the end of this book was awkward.

The best thing about these books is the way that McCullough makes the players in Roman history come alive to the modern reader. I am no titled scholar of antiquity, but I have read my Livy, Suetonius and Plutarch enough to know that the author has been careful to start her characterization of every famous figure with a careful rendering of the attributes that the ancient writers gave them. So the real joy of reading these books is to get to know Sulla and Marius, Cato and Caesar as they may have been. Knowing the characters and the times so well, the reader can't help but wonder what would have happened if Caesar had lived to invade Parthia. Of course people have been wondering that for 2000 years. By all means Roman history lives in her books.

Caesar's Legion: The Epic Saga of Julius Caesar's Elite Tenth Legion and the Armies of Rome

Average customer rating:

A Legion of Roman History buffs should read this excellent book on the illustrious Xth Legion! Hail Caesar!!!!
Get the audiobook! It was great.
Great Book!
The Epic Saga of Julius Caesar's Elite Tenth Legion and the Armies of Rome
Good book, but hard to read

Caesar's Legion: The Epic Saga of Julius Caesar's Elite Tenth Legion and the Armies of Rome
Stephen Dando-Collins
Manufacturer: Wiley
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0471686131

Book Description

"A unique and splendidly researched story, following the trials and triumphs of Julius Caesar's Legio X-arguably the most famous legion of its day-from its activation to the slogging battle of Munda and from Thapsus, Caesar's tactical masterpiece, to the grim siege of the Jewish fortress of Masada. More than a mere unit account, it incorporates the history of Rome and the Roman army at the height of their power and gory glory. Many military historians consider Caesar's legions the world's most efficient infantry before the arrival of gunpowder. This book shows why. Written in readable, popular style, Caesar's Legion is a must for military buffs and anyone interested in Roman history at a critical point in European civilization."
—T. R. Fehrenbach, author of This Kind of War, Lone Star, and Comanches

Stephen Dando-Collins paints a vivid and definitive portrait of daily life in the Tenth Legion as he follows Caesar and his men along the blood-soaked fringes of the Empire. This unprecedented regimental history reveals countless previously unknown details about Roman military practices, Caesar's conduct as a commander and his relationships with officers and legionaries, and the daily routine and discipline of the Legion. From penetrating insights into the mind of history's greatest general to a grunt's-eye view of the gruesome realities of war in the Classical Age, this unique and riveting true account sets a new standard of exellence and detail to which all authors of ancient military history will now aspire.

Customer Reviews:

A Legion of Roman History buffs should read this excellent book on the illustrious Xth Legion! Hail Caesar!!!!.......2007-06-15

The ancient world was a brutal neighborhood. Emerging as the greatest military machine of the age were the mighty Romans. In this excellent book, well researched by Stephen Dando-Collins, we get a detailed examination of the 10th Legion. The legiion was recruited in Spain having its birth in 61 BC. This is the most famous of all legions as they fought on the right side of the battlefield in all the battles which made Julius Caesar (100-44 BC) the dictator of Rome.

The Xth Legion fought on the continents of Europe, Asia Minor and North Africa. The legion played important roles in Caesar's conquest of Gaul. The legion was instrumental in Caesar's victory over Pompey in the Roman Civil War. The victory over Pompey at Phrasalus in Greece was the most important victory of that bloody war.The legion was with Caesar in Egypt as he wiped out all the supporters of the Pompeian cause.

Following the assassination of Caesar the 10th fought under Mark Antony and was on the losing side in his battle against Octavian at Actium in 31 BC.

The legion served well under several emperors most notablly in the bitterly fought Jewish revolt against Rome in both 66-73 AD and 132-135

AD.

Along with his vivid description of the battles we learn much about the daily life of a Roman grunt from what he ate; how much he made; the intricacies of enlistment and how the Roman army was organized. A helpful glossary explains Latin terms.

I will read more of Dando-Collins after this initial perusal of a fine

military history. So often ancient history can be written in a dry way but Dando-Collins lively writing style makes it easy to digest. This book is recommended highly for both the neophyte historian as well as the more

widely read devotees of Roman history.

Get the audiobook! It was great........2007-04-23

I wish I could give this 6 stars. I was unable to turn off the audiobook. The reader is outstanding. The book is brilliant. The other reviews better describe the book than I shall, but do consider the audiobook. I found it griping. I am listening a second time.

Great Book!.......2007-02-13

Great book for anyone anyage! Great history/story book about the history of the Tenth Legion! A must read for any history buffs!

The Epic Saga of Julius Caesar's Elite Tenth Legion and the Armies of Rome.......2007-01-18

As a mapper of fact I have not read the book myself. It was bought as a present for my husbond, who finds the book excellent, and totally up to his expectations. Do you have any other books about the elite theth legion? It is a topic of great interest to him.

Good book, but hard to read.......2007-01-13

The book is very informational and interesting giving you alot of detail about Caesar's 10th Legion and the Roman battles. However, it does bounce around alot and brings in alot of information that makes it too hard to follow sometimes.

Average customer rating:

More of the same
Not my favorite McCullough book in the series
Caesar: A Complex Perfectionist
Difficult, awkward style, but good storytelling
To Cross or Not to Cross that is the Question.

Caesar: A Novel
Colleen McCullough
Manufacturer: William Morrow & Company
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0688093728

Book Description

Colleen McCullough's track record in publishing reads like Caesar's triumphs in battlewide-ranging in scope, masterful in style, unequaled in achievement. From her almost twelve-million-copy-selling Thorn Birds through her four novels in the Masters of Rome series, McCullough has never faltered.

Here she turns her attentions to Caesar's conquest of Gaul and to his momentous decision at the river Rubicon to claim his place in the government of Rome. At a time that preceded the technology of any firearm, when military acumen, strategy, and leadership were all, it was Caesar's genius that prevailed, over and over. What Caesar accomplished in Gaul is the stuff of historical epic, of military academies, and of this novel. He was utterly awesome. Yet history forgets that Caesar was also a man, not immune to the human condition. He succeeded brilliantly, but he also suffered great personal grief and disappointment. It is the full portrait of Caesar, a man destined to inspire an empire, that Colleen McCullough paints here--faithfully, magnificently, and in radiant light.

"McCullough is on fire.... Caesar is one of her strongest and most fascinating characters."San Francisco Chronicle

Customer Reviews:

More of the same.......2006-09-23

If you're familiar with McCullough's books, than you know what to expect. "Caeser" has the same qualities and faults of her other works. If this is your first McCullough "Roman" novel, then be warned: she seems to receive praise beyond her due.

As always, the research involved is impressive but the writing can be weak. What bothered me about this particular volume was the flatness of the characters. Caesar is (as one can guess from the title) the object of attention and he is perfect beyond believability: a towering genius awash in a sea of incompetence and stupidity. Only Caeser can do anything right. He sees all, knows all, and can second-guess every maneuver of every enemy. Hero worship doesn't make for good reading.

I was especially disappointed by the handling of Vercingetorix (I actually bought the book to read about him, not Caeser). He has the potential to be made into such an interesting character but, alas, McCullough simple uses him as a shabby mirror to reflect Caeser's perfection. Vercingetorix is portrayed as a foolish hothead; a rabid Gallic nationalist with little else to him. Even Vercingetorix begins to take on sycophantic tendencies as he comes to worship Caeser.

The only reason I give this three stars is because the writing has improved from the Soap/Toga Opera that was "Fortune's Favorites" (I didn't even bother with "Caeser's Women). This will probably be the last McCullough book I ever read.

Not my favorite McCullough book in the series.......2006-05-30

I didn't find this as interesting as The First Man in Rome. That's probably because of the subject matter. I love historical fiction, but I prefer it to be more on the lifestyle side than the battle side and since this book concentrated on that part of Caesar's life where he became the Caesar then it is heavily weighted toward the telling of battles and history of war.

But don't get me wrong, the book still paints such a vivid picture of Rome and Roman times that it's a good read.

My star ratings:

One star - couldn't finish the book

Two stars - read the book, but did a lot of skipping or scanning. Wouldn't add the book to my permanent collection or search out other books by the author

Three stars - enjoyable read. Wouldn't add the book to my permanent collection. Would judge other books by the author individually.

Four stars - Liked the book. Would keep the book or would look for others by the same author.

Five stars - One of my all time favorites. Will get a copy in hardback to keep and will actively search out others by the same author.

Caesar: A Complex Perfectionist.......2006-01-12

Colleen McCullough's Master of Rome series, includes 6 books, with Caesar being the fifth in the series. Her work can truthfully be called epic, both in scope and historical accuracy. What McCullough has done, is to create out of the dry and often boring tomes about Caesar and the attendant fall of the Republic, a vivid, absorbing and highly entertaining set of books.

The settings span Rome, Germany, Gaul of the Long Hairs and what was known as Africa Province, which included Egypt. The hand drawn maps included in each book, aid the reader in placing the action and locations of the known parts of the countries, either under Roman rule or at war during this turbulent part of Roman history.

The characters, who for the most part are genuine historical figures, spring to life, under McCullough's deft hand.

Gaius Julius Caesar: A man in his prime and at the peak of his powers. He is a perfectionist, who values his dignitas more than life itself. A superb general, wily politician and possessed of a mind bordering on genius, Caesar is hated by a small group-the Boni (good men) for all of his vast abilities. Continually impeded and frustrated by them, he is finally forced to do the unthinkable-cross the Rubicon, and enter Roman lands with military force.

Pompeius: Allied once to Caesar, by marriage to Caesar's beloved daughter Julia, he has become enmeshed in the Boni's plotting to bring Caesar down. Arrogant, selfish, cunning and jealous of Caesar's outstanding successes in the conquering of Gaul, he obtains a Consultatum Ultimatum, which was as close to Dictator as a Picentine upstart was going to get.

Marcus Portius Cato: A moral man, so filled with fears, phobias and a strident hate for Caesar, he continues to obstruct him in everything he does. McCullough's thorough and deep portrait of Cato, shows her continuing refusal to take the easy way out and paint her antagonist in monochromatic shades.

Quintus Cicero: Younger brother of the famed orator Cicero, Caesars ally and beloved friend. Throughout the long grueling campaign in Gaul, Quintus Cicero grows to love, respect and admire his general. His loyalty in the face of his wife Terentia's and his famed elder brother's hatred of Caesar, is simply awesome.

Marcus Antonius: Marcus is a very shallow seeming and pleasure loving man, perhaps a bit too fond of wine. Yet when ordered to accompany Caesar to Gaul, he shows the inner strength and discipline to carry himself well in battle.

Brutus: His heart shattered by Caesar when his betrothal to Julia was broken, is a weak and ineffectual man. Cowed from a very young age by Servillia, his mother, who is Caesar's lover, he is a lost soul. Forbidden by Servillia when young, from seeing his Uncle Cato, when finally freed by the breaking of his engagement, he begins a long slide into destruction amongst the Boni. He is his Uncle Cato's man to the bitter end.

There is something for everyone in the book: politics, greed, ambition, military tactics that are nothing short of amazing, and underneath all, the relentless driving nature of the man called Caesar. The irony here is of a man who wanted so badly to be given his due, who wanted to work with, not against his opponents, who refused to repeat the proscriptions and murder done by his predecessors, and yet received nothing but opprobrium and hate for his pains.

McCullough demonstrates a keen understanding of human nature, and how often we seek to destroy the truly excellent men of our times, yet celebrate the villains. Her scholarship and research on the Roman military and its tactics shows throughout the series, but particularly in Caesar.

This is McCullough's Magnum Opus, and she should be lauded for bringing history to life, in a way that very very few are able to do. If you want a true appreciation of the work and care that went into creating the Master's Of Rome series, start with the first book: First Man In Rome, and read them all. I promise you, it's time well spent, and makes for simply wonderful reading.

Difficult, awkward style, but good storytelling.......2005-12-29

This is the fifth in a series of books that is both engrossing and sometimes...a trial of my patience.

Let me begin by saying that, as far as the political implications of the story in the context of today's world, or the accuracy of the historical minutiae, or the artistic greatness of the book, I will make no comments at all. I didn't read these books for any of those reasons. I read them simply for fun. When and where they were fun to read, I was satisfied. Nor did I expect to find fully fleshed-out, believable, or (I say this with a scoff), "accurate" characters. We know so very little about what ANY of these people were really like that (if you ask me) no one knows just what kind of a man Caesar or Antony or Pompey was. And considering the number of characters in each book, it would be foolish to expect that more than a handful of them would become more than stage props.

So far, I've read "First Man in Rome," "The Grass Crown," and "Caesar." I read "First Man" and then "Caesar" and I'm glad I did, or I might have quit. Because "The Grass Crown" has been the weakest so far.

The reason is that, although McCullough is for the most part an excellent storyteller, her style of writing can be difficult, even downright annoying. For instance, her characters are constantly grinning. Grinning, grinning, grinning. It's a word she uses so much that you can't help but stumble on it every time you see it (and this can be several times in a given page).

A good author should rarely, if ever, need to describe a character's expression, especially, as is usually the case in these books, the grin occurs as part of a dialogue. If the dialogue itself doesn't tell the reader what the speaker's expression would be, then the dialogue should be rewritten. (It seems hard to believe that an author with as much experience as McCullough would not recognize this. That leads me to wonder whether these books were edited, or whether we're reading what amount to rough drafts.)

She has other quirks. She feels compelled to describe characters' teeth, and they're always either dazzlingly white, or large and yellow. Eyes are always "luminous." This is especially true if a character is described as otherwise homely. She frequently goes even further to describe flecks of yellow in green eyes, or--another favorite--blue eyes that are ringed with a darker blue it's almost black.

My thoughts on this kind of detail are that you shouldn't harp on a particular character's appearance in detail unless it's important to the story or the theme. Yes, we need to know what Cato looked like. His very appearance reflects his personality. But when every single one of the countless characters are templated with either great or rotten teeth, and large, luminous eyes, the detail becomes a meaningless blur.

There are many other examples I could cite of the author's bad habits, but rather than dump out all of my pet peeves, I'll let these few examples suffice.

These little tics of the writer don't destroy the narrative, but they damage the flow and rhythm. There are times when I'm tempted to start skipping ahead, because between all of the grinning and the bad teeth and the flecked eyes, I lose my train of thought.

There are the other, usual problems associated with historical fiction. Long stretches of the book are really just historical exposition thinly concealed as dialogue. Such as, "As you know, Claudius, the Romans expelled the kings in blah blah blah." It's unavoidable for an author who expects a publisher to present a book to a mass audience. In general, McCullough handles these expositions fairly well, not going into too much dry detail, or too much at one time.

Overall, this book fares better than the other two I've read. In the first two, perhaps McCullough hadn't yet fully found her way; or maybe it's just that she had what were really a bunch of different stories to tell, so none of them really shined. Here, the focus is primarily on Caesar, and primarily on his campaigns in Gaul, and later fighting against Pompey. McCullough is at her very best here, and she brushes with storytelling greatness. The style continues to stumble, but the narrative of just how Caesar pacified Gaul is mostly excellent. There are a few times when, after exhaustive detail, the author sort of waves a magic wand and says, "And then this whole other large region was conquered, yada yada." But I have a far, far better understanding of what happened in Gaul than I did before reading the book. And the handful of illustrations were flawlessly done. (Whether they're historically accurate is another matter. They fit the story told by McCullough perfectly.)

One other minor quibble is that the maps McCullough provides are excellent, but especially in the paperback editions, the text is so tiny that even a magnifying glass barely makes it readable. Frustrating! And large parts of the maps disappear in the page gutters. Even in the hardbound editions, the text is far too small; the mapmaker clearly didn't think about what size the maps would be in the final printed edition, or the effect of the gutters. But then, the text of the book itself is so small in the paperbacks that I've decided that the ones I like will be replaced by hardbound editions.

It's a shame that this book, and the others in the series, didn't get better attention from an editor. The publishing world today tends to make editing an afterthought, or it's left up to the author. Few authors can serve as their own editor, so I'm not being unduly harsh on McCullough. She wrote a good 5000 pages for this series of books. It would be a bit much to expect her to have fully edited them all as well. So the quirks and tics in her style I pin on the publisher. And if someone else did edit these books...he needs to go back to editing school.

To Cross or Not to Cross that is the Question........2005-12-26

Ms McCullough has done a deep historical research in order to write her "Roman Saga" started with "The First Man in Rome" (1990), continued with "The Grass Crown" (1991), "Fortune's Favorites" (1993), "Caesar's Women" (1995) and "Caesar" (1999).

She delivers an accurate picture of the late Roman Republic, bringing to life historically characters with amazing detail.
The author follows and reveals step by step all the intricacies of that rich and complex era.
Does this mean that the book is boring? By no means, Ms McCullough is able to show daily life, dressing, feeding, religious rituals, political and social structures in a magnificent fresco and at the same time construct an engaging story that will trap the reader for hours.

The present volume starts in the year 54 BC when Caesar is in Britain and receives notice of the death of his daughter Julia. Immediately his friendship with Pompeius Magnus starts to deteriorate. The Boni jump to the golden opportunity of enrolling Pompeius and turn him against Julius Caesar.
The author follows the great Gaul Revolt and the Civil War that erupted against Caesar's will.

There are also vivid descriptions of Clodius murder, Curio's allegiance to Caesar, Octavius drawing Caesar's attention and the start of Marc Anthony's ascent.

Last but not least the author has drawn beautiful busts of the main characters; detailed maps of different ancient scenarios where action takes place and very complete glossary.

I advise reading the first volumes of the series, but even if you don't do it, you may start here and consider it as a standalone volume.
I strongly recommend this book to any serious history aficionado!
Reviewed by Max Yofre.

Average customer rating:

Readable, but not very ...
Title "Ceasar's Women" extremely misleading!
Probably the weakest of the series
".....I. Not Caesar. I"
One name: Marcus Porcius Cato

Caesar's Women (Masters of Rome Series)
Colleen McCullough
Manufacturer: Avon
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

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ASIN: 0380710846

Book Description

His victories were legend -- in battle and bedchamber alike. Love was a political weapon he wielded cunningly and ruthlessly in his private war against enemies in the forum. Genius, general, patrician, Gaius Julius Caesar was history. His wives bought him influence. He sacrificed his beloved daughter on the alter of ambition. He burned for the cold-hearted mistress he could never dare trust. Caesar's women all knew -- and feared -- his power. He adored them, used them, destroyed them on his irresistible rise to prominence. And one of them would seal his fate.</p>

Customer Reviews:

Readable, but not very ... .......2007-05-13

I have read the entire "Masters of Rome" series, and this one is plainly the weakest of the lot. The storyline is contorted, and there is the constant irritant caused by author McCullough's adoration of Julius Caesar. Caesar is, throughout the book, portrayed (as in all of McCullough's novels in which Caesar appears) as virtually a superman. McCullough's