Professor Fuhrmann's biography is expressly designed for a general readership that includes those with no firsthand knowledge of Classical languages. The sources for Cicero's life and work are abundant but notoriously difficult to handle; nevertheless, the author selects and arranges his material to present a coherent and graphic account, not only of Cicero's personality, but also of the political and cultural background of his age.
Professor Fuhrmann makes clear the reasons for Cicero's eminence as statesman, philosopher and publicist, and for the massive influence he exercised on the literature and oratory of succeeding ages. His hero's rise from obscure provincial origins to the supreme offices of state in the Roman republic is described in detail. Cicero's tragically vain attempt by argument and rhetoric to defend the republican constitution against Roman war-lords like Pompey, Cassius, Caesar and Antony epitomizes a conflict between reason and repression that has been repeated in many ages and many contexts down to our own day. Cicero's career illustrates only too well the limitations of intellectual commitment in the field of Realpolitik.
Professor Fuhrmann makes clear the reasons for Cicero's eminence as statesman, philosopher and publicist, and for the massive influence he exercised on the literature and oratory of succeeding ages. His hero's rise from obscure provincial origins to the supreme offices of state in the Roman republic is described in detail. Cicero's tragically vain attempt by argument and rhetoric to defend the republican constitution against Roman war-lords like Pompey, Cassius, Caesar and Antony epitomizes a conflict between reason and repression that has been repeated in many ages and many contexts down to our own day. Cicero's career illustrates only too well the limitations of intellectual commitment in the field of Realpolitik.
