Caesar [Paperback]

Adrian Goldsworthy (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 3, 2007

From the very beginning, Caesar's story makes dazzling reading. In his late teens he narrowly avoided execution for opposing the military dictator Sulla. He was decorated for valour in battle, captured and held to ransom by pirates, and almost bankrupted himself by staging games for the masses. As a politician, he quickly gained a reputation as a dangerously ambitious maverick. By his early 30s he had risen to the position of Consul, and was already beginning to dominate the Senate. His affairs with noblewomen were both frequent and scandalous. His greatest skill, outside the bedroom, was as a military commander. In a string of spectacular victories he conquered all of Gaul, invaded Germany, and twice landed in Britain - an achievement which in 55BC was greeted with a public euphoria comparable to that generated by the moon landing in 1969. In just thirty years he had risen from a position of virtual obscurity to become one of the richest men in the world, with the power single-handedly to overthrow the Republic. By his death he was effectively emperor of most of the known world.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Goldsworthy's magnificent biography places Caesar in the context of the Roman world and shows why we return to the great man." -- Toby Clements Telegraph

About the Author

Adrian Goldsworthy has a doctorate from Oxford University. His first book, The Roman Army at War was recognised by John Keegan, the general Editor of The History of Warfare, as an exceptionally impressive work, original in treatment and impressive in style. He has since written five other books, to great acclaim.

Product Details

• Paperback: 720 pages
• Publisher: Phoenix (May 3, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0753821583
• ISBN-13: 978-0753821589
• Product Dimensions: 5.1 x 1.7 x 7.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,235,096 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars A man of his times, February 1, 2012

By 

Gerard A. Proudfoot "Cheeky Iconoclast" (Canada) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Caesar (Hardcover)

There is very little not to like in the expansive biography of Caesar's life. Adrian Goldsworthy hits the mark dead on in this excellent tome that takes the reader from Caesar's birth to his assassination. More than 2000 years after his death we wonder how men such as Caesar could have attained the power they did within their societies and here the author helps explain the reasons behind the rise and fall. It is easy to read and at times extremely hard to put down.

Anyone familiar with Adrian Goldsworthy's other works will not be disappointed here. If you want to understand the decline of the Republic and the rise of the Emperors, this is a great book to set you on the path.

5.0 out of 5 stars Recipient LOVED it, August 30, 2011

By 

Martha A. Clarke "lindendrafts" (Linden, NC) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Caesar (Hardcover)

This was a gift, and the recipient wrote the most profuse praise and thanks at its receipt. So much so, that I have asked that I be put on the list to receive it to read it - I am far down the line, the praise was so profuse!