Customer Reviews

Caesar: The Gallic War (Loeb Classical Library)

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

If you have bought a Loeb Classic before you already know that they are well manufactured books that are meant to last. In addition, the major feature of the series is that the original text appears in the original language on one page, across from the translation on the facing page - with a few exceptions.**

**Exception example: with the works of the poet Catullus you will find all the steamy good parts are in Latin on both pages.

Another feature of the series is that the translators are generally top notch.

That said, let's talk about Julius' tome. Extremely fun to read and in general of significant importance not only as it pertains to Rome - it's politics, military agenda, etc. -- but in respect to understanding who was doing what in the provinces.

As a fan of barbarians everywhere, but particular of those tall woad-blue fellows, I can say this work is critical, although there are assuredly some historians that would debate Caesar's accuracy.

As to the translation, Prof. Edwards departs from the modern tradition (or they depart from him) by using third person, just as Caesar did. Most modern scholars have converted to first person, but this hardly matters unless you have a fear of formal, proper English. For this is precisely what you will find in this book. No modern cadences here.

Besides a fine translation, inside this book there are maps and sketchings that include that wonderful bridge that was constructed over the Rhine, as well as the gallic wall construction, roman seige appliances and a very valuable campaign map.

I don't know about you but I find the campaign map a God-send. And after reading more recent translations I have had to resort to my old Loeb because it takes me forever to figure out where the heck the Helvetii lived and where I left Uxellodunum. [Yes, it's in France but east or west of the Garonne river I am forever forgetting.]

Five Stars. [A+]. Sturdy little book made to last. Opposing pages have Latin on one side and English on the other. Annotated and footnoted for scholars. Includes fold-out maps and diagrams. Excellent story for history buffs.

For those practicing their Latin: Caesar's Latin is the some of the clearest and simplist of the classic style. In other words, not too much future or past pluperfect tenses and that sort of thing. Frequently quoted in Wheelock and other texts. Having the translation right there on the facing page is invaluable.

Additional Information on what you will find:

Table of 'Contents'
Introduction
Analysis of Books
- (This entails a brief summary of Caesar's activities w/ dates. Under Book V, one would see (54 BC) and something like the following:

1-23 Second expedition to Britain
Preparation of a fleet - (2-8. Caesar composes the factions of the Treveri' Cingetorix and Indutiomarus - the intrigues of Dumnorix....

Gallic War (the commentaries themselves)

Appendices
A. The Roman Army
B. Britain

Indexes
I. Persons
II. Tribes
III. Geography
IV. Subjects

Maps and Plans
--The Battle against the Helvetii
--The Battle of the Aisne
--The Battle of the Sambre
--Bridge over the Rhine
--Plan of Gergovia
--Plan of Alesia
--Siege Appliances
--Gaul
--Campaign Map

Editors Note (1979)

Although there are many translations of Caesar's Gallic War, Loeb is unique in providing the reader with not only the translation, but the original Latin text on the accompanying page. Loeb also provides translations from some of the best scholars in classical studies. As for the text itself, it is a priceless insight into the life of one of the world's greatest statesmen and military leaders.

Caesar's third person account covers his campaigns in Gaul, Germania, and Britannia (modern Switzerland, France, Belgium, Germany, and England) from 58-50 B.C. 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 often dictated the development of his campaigns to be dispatched to Rome so that it could be propagated by his political supporters. This was done because Caesar's extraordinary command in Gaul was always subject to being terminated by his opponents, whereby he could face criminal prosecution upon his return. By the public circulation of these propagandist bulletins, Caesar sought to obtain support in the Senate or in the Forum with the people to both avoid Rome's political pitfalls and subjugate Gaul at the same time while getting filthy rich in the process.

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 and his evaluation of the enemy's potential. Caesar gives a detailed account of movements, sieges, river crossings, and his mastery of logistics. His best account is probably his final struggle with Vercingetorix, the fierce and charismatic Gallic chieftan who rallied all of the tribes in one final struggle against Rome and surrendered at the siege of Alesia. Ceasar clearly shows admiration for his fierce opponent and how he honorably surrendered himself at Alesia in 50 B.C. to save his followers from imminent starvation: Caesar had him garotted soon after returning in Triumph. The Commentaries also recite his unfulfilled victory/miserable defeat in conquering Britain. Caesar's commentaries are also extremely valuable in understanding the Gauls or Celts in general. As time passed after Caesar's conquest, the Gauls and most Celtic cultures became completely assimilated into Roman civilization and left little of their heritage behind. Unfortunately, Celtic culture had no written tradition and much of their culture is understood through the works of their Roman invaders or through Greek writers such as Polybius. Indirect information about Celtic culture is also obtained from studying its surviving offspring in Wales and Ireland. Thus, Caesar's writing offers a unique insight into Celtic culture, politics, and religion of druidism. As a matter of fact, Caesar probably sped up the extinction of Celtic culture by systematically persecuting the druidic sects who were the Celts' spiritual force and keepers of knowledge. A similar strategy was effectively carried out by the Spanish conquistadores in the Americas 1500 years later, thereby eliminating all essential traces of indigenous identity and solidarity. His commentaries do have some exaggerations as to troop numbers and fabled stories of the still unknown Germanic tribes; in those cases much of what he recites are rather fanciful accounts similar to those of 15th century European navigators.

As an author, Caesar is one of only three statesmen/authors from the late Roman Republic whose works have survived (Sallustius and Cicero being the others.) Along with his Civil War commentaries, his work is a priceless look into the politics, culture, warfare, and personalities of that period. Few, if any, political or militray leaders in history have had an impact on humanity as great and far reaching as Caesar. His conquests and statesmanship still resonate today in both our political and social institutions. It is a work that everyone should read at least once in their life to better understand the world they live in today.

Just imagine that in this book you can read the account of the Gallic wars told by the hero of them. Yes, an egocentric and arrogant hero, but who among us feels able to accomplish what he did? This book is an example of rigorous writing, of military genius, of courage and will. First, Caesar quenches the revolt of the Helvetians (in today's Switzerland). Then, the German Ariovistus invades Gaul and is defeated by Caesar. Next year, Caesar defeats the Belgians. The third year, Caesar goes to sea to fight a maritime battle against the Vanesians, and then pacifies Aquitaine, in today's Northern France. In the winter, he crosses the Rhin and defeats the Suavians. And then he accomplishes a prowess: he crosses the English Channel to fight the Britons. Hey, a Roman conquering England? That is adventure.

But not everything goes smoothly for the Roman armies. In an ambush, the Gaul Ambiorix (is that where Asterix comes from?) devastates the armies of the Romans Sabinus and Triturius. This sparks a revolt by other Gaulians, who set siege to the Roman general's Quintus Cicero's fortress. But Caesar comes to the rescue and they win. Other battles ensue, but the last campaign is the most famous: Vercingetorix, a Gaulian leader, revolts and manages to put the Romans in great trouble, since his revolt has plenty of followers all over Gaul. After defeating Vercingetorix, Caesar has to placate all the Gaul, in a series of hard battles. Seeminlgy not tired after eight years in Western Europe, Caesar then returns to Italy and starts the Civil War.

The greatness of this book is that it takes you by the hand to some of the most important battles in History. Yes, they are far from us, but they shaped the Roman Empire and thus, our very own civilization. There is no substitute for the story being told by the main protagonist, strategist and conductor of it. It is many things: a crucial History book, good literature, and exciting adventure. What else can a reader ask for?

Julius Caesar's dramatic commentary on the Gallic campaigns is an extremely riveting account of a man whose brilliance has yet to be eclipsed by any other political or military leader. As a work of military history, Ceasars campaign style combines exciting strategic and tactical views that led him and his legions to excel in pivotal battles against armies 2 and 3 times thier size. In addition, Ceaser shows his diplomatic knack, with detailed descriptions of his negotiations with the Gallic leaders. A read which is well worth it, in either the original Latin or as a translation.

This book is fullof not only wonderful Roman history but also an interesting point of view on the way war was conducted in this period. I have been amazed at Caesar's candor and willingness to be fair to enemy stratagey and to admit his own mistakes.The third person narrative style makes it easier to swallow as genuine and not just Julius Caesar bragging.

Edwards' translation of Caesar's 'de Bello Gallico' may not be the best, but all the same, this edition heartily deserves 5 stars. While I never found anything in his translation that I really disagreed with, it is not a typical Loeb hyper-literal translation. This is not a real issue for the initiated reader, as Caesar's Latin is not difficult to read. I can't blame Loeb for wanting a less-literal translation of Caesar, as the casual reader would quickly tire of the ablative absolutes and long sentences. Thus, it is decent. While not terribly literal, it is correct and readable.

The appendices are where this edition really shines. It includes a number of useful battle and campaign maps, as well as a brief essay on the bridge over the Rhine and a number of drawings of siege works.

The Penguin edition may a more literal translation, but this has the Latin text and a great set of appendices. This edition should remain the standard text for 'de Bello Gallico' for years to come.

I'm a history major and find Greek & Roman civilization fascinating. You may wonder why I only gave Caesar's book 4 stars. Well, for someone who specializes in this field, "The Gallic War" is probably about as good a source material as you're going to get. However, for the casual fan of ancient history, "The Gallic War" can get a little bland at times. Yes, Caesar is a brilliant writer, but there's almost no humor or self-depreciation in this book. The mood of the text is: Caesar knows everything, and don't forget that. It's a dry, straightforward account of Roman aggression on the people of Gaul, told from the Roman point of view, naturally.

This review concerns the Kessinger Publishing's "Legacy Reprints" edition:
Caesar: The Gallic War

This edition is a reproduction (photocopy) of the Heinemann/Putnam 1919 edition. As such, it is very difficult to read (every page is a poor-quality photo reproduction with black text on a gray background - very low contrast, difficult to read for long).

There are no maps included in this edition.

The version that was sent to me reads "recensuit brevique adnotatione critica instruxit Renatus Du Pontet," along with "first published 1900" and "Scribebabm Ventae Belgarum mense Iulio A.S. MDCCCC." Du Pontet's edition may well be the authoritative edition, I really don't know, but the descriptions on the Amazon page say things like "1968," and the reviews among which mine will be placed clearly do not all describe the same thing. Some chap got the 1914 edition of Holmes (magnificent work, that, but again, not what the product description indicates) and another person is clearly describing the Loeb in their review.

The text that I have received is a digital reproduction of the Du Pontet OCT published in 1900, reprinted now in 2009. The cover is shiny plastic, not the usual OCT cloth binding with paper dust jacket, but that's not a major problem for me. I'm hoping that the reprint is on acid free paper, but I have no way of telling - it certainly doesn't say so anywhere. The inside top of the cover page contains this notice: "This book has been printed digitally and produced in a standard specification in order to ensure its continuing availability." So let the buyer beware, 1968 was certainly not the date of Caesar's campaign, or his publication, or the re-edition by Du Pontet, nor even of the reprint now being sold on this Amazon page. And DO NOT BUY THE KINDLE VERSION FOR $0.95, that absolutely must be a reproduction of one of the many Gallic War commentaries floating around out of copyright and on GoogleBooks.

Edit: much to my chagrin, there is already a GoogleBooks version of the 1900 edition that was sold to me (for the princely sum of $30). You can download it for nothing and save it as a .pdf to read at your leisure. So very disappointed with myself.

The text is clean and unmarked. The hardcover looks great. I'm very pleased with my purchase. Thank you for your good and reliable service.