Customer Reviews

The War Commentaries of Caesar (Meridian Classics)

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

THIS BOOK WAS GREAT! IT WAS SO NEAT TO READ SOMETHING WRITTEN BY SUCH A FAMOUS MAN! THESE ARE THINGS CAESAR ACTULLY PUT DOWN ON PAPER.DON'T READ THIS BOOK IF YOU DON'T KNOW LATIN, THATS WHAT IT'S WRITTEN IN. I HIGHLY RECOMENED THIS BOOK.

This is a simplistic, and perhaps more modern translation of the Gallic, Spanish, and Civil Wars (all allegedly by Caesar, though the latter two probably weren't) that stands out primarily for it's conversion into the 1st person of Caesar's bizarre quirk to write in 3rd.

This one is a handy carry-in-you-pocket type, and I like it especially because it contains all three books. I do not care for this translation as much, though, and my biggest complaint is the weak maps and the total lack of an index to proper names. This would be good for someone who wants to read a slightly easier translation of Caesar's works than the Penguin version (my personal favorite) or for someone seeking the convenience of all of Caesar's/psuedo-Caesar's works in one little book.

Wellington and Napoleon, both carried a copy of Caesar`s war diaries when ever they went on a campaign. That should give you an idea of the wealth of information contained in Caesar`s wartime correspondence. Julius Caesar graphically details all the aspects of warfare. He seems to understand all the strong points and the weak areas of his own army, and the opposition. He also had a great insight into the psychological make up of his own soldiers, and the Celts. This book is the ultimate example, of know your enemy and know yourself.
You will be reading material that was written over two thousand years ago, and by one of histories greatest commanders. That makes this book worth a lot more then five stars.

I love this book. It was written around 2000 years ago, and it's still readable, in part by the wonderful translation. It's a must have for all students of warfare!