16 of 17 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
VENI VIDI VICI, March 1, 2005
This review is from: Caesar: Alexandrian War. African War. Spanish War (Loeb Classical Library No. 402) (Hardcover)
Although there are many translations of this work available on the market, there are few publications that offer Caesar's work in its original Latin as well as with its English translation in one single text. Over the last century, Loeb publishers have been unique in providing their readers with the original text and the translated version side-by-side for every reader to view. Furthermore, these works were translated by some of the best classical scholars of the day in a fluid style that has stood the test of time. I strongly recommend Loeb's publication of Caesar's Alexandrian/African/Spanish War over that of other publishers: there's simply no comparison.
This sequel to Caesar's Civil Wars follows the aftermath of Pompey's defeat at the battle of Pharsallus and his escape to Egypt. Caesar comments on his pursuit of Pompey to Alexandria only to find his severed head being offered to him by the young King Ptolemy. He also explains his attempt at securing the harbor of Alexandria with the support of King Ptolemy's sister, the legendary queen-to-be Cleopatra VII. His narrative then covers his finishing operations against Pompey's remaining supporters in Africa and in Spain. Caesar is extremely detailed as to his tactics and strategies. He presents his information in a brief and concise way without sophistry. Caesar provides his rationale for his strategies such as his assessment of the enemy's intentions and strength, the topography, etc.
Most modern scholars agree that the works were probably dictated by Caesar and written down by one or more of his subordinates. It is important to understand that Caesar's Commentaries were rhetorical and had a political agenda. Caesar dictated (he always liked dictating) his Commentataries on the Civil War to win political favor and secure a continuation of his political career. These bulletins won him support in the Senate or in the Forum with the people so that he would secure his grip on Rome's politics until the fateful Ides of March in 44 B.C.
As with all of his other works, the reader should be cautious and approach this narrative as political propaganda. Caesar was a shrude politician and a charismatic populist. In order to obtain the broadest support in what remained of the Republic, Caesar always made sure his audience in Rome was well informed as to how he was justified in his actions and how successful he was; even though that was not always the case. He was also very careful in downplaying his dictatorial ambitions and errors in judgment while emphasizing those of his opponents. To ensure this, he dictated and disseminated these Commentaries which we treasure today as a window to the distant past.
I cannot recommend this translation enough as one of the best available today. As for the work itself, it is a direct account from one of the greatest military and political leaders in human history: a man whose fateful crossing of the Rubicon over 2000 years ago changed the face of the world like a collossus until our present time; a man whose innovative military stratagems have not only been tested true time and time again, but are still taught today in virtually every military academy. It is a priceless work that all should read at least once in their life.
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