Julius Caesar: Man, Soldier, And Tyrant (Da Capo Paperback) (Paperback)

by J. F. C. Fuller (Author) "ACCORDING to tradition, Rome was founded in 753 B.C. as a city st..." (more)
Key Phrases: two veteran legions, lesser camp, ultimate decree, Cisalpine Gaul, Decimus Brutus, Great Harbour (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Since the Renaissance, Julius Caesar has been idolized as a superman. Classical sources, however, present a far less exalted being. As General Fuller writes, Caesar was "an unscrupulous demagogue whose one aim was power, and a general who could not only win brilliant victories but also commit dismal blunders.... It is reasonable to suspect that, at times, Caesar was not responsible for his actions, and toward the end of his life, not altogether sane." There is not doubt that Caesar was an extraordinary man.” But Fuller points out that he was extraordinary for his reckless ambition, matchless daring, and ruthless tyranny, rather than for his skills as a military comander. Caesar continually had to extricate himself from results of mistakes of judgement. His unnecessary Alexandrian War, his close call at Thapsus, and his seemingly unpremeditated Gallic conquest are just a few of Fuller's many examples.And in telling Caesar's history, Fuller illuminates a century of Roman history as well. Aided by maps of Caesar's principal battles and diagrams of many of his weapons, Fuller brings to life Caesar's wars, his armies, his equipment, and his methods. Brilliant in design and impressive in scope, Julius Caesar clarifies how the military, political, and economic aspects of the Roman Republic worked together to produce a man whose name has come down to us as a synonym for absolute authority.

About the Author

Major General J.F.C. Fuller (1878-1966) was one of the most important and original military thinkers of this century. He served as lieutenant in the Boer War, organized the first British tank corps in World War I, and developed the strategy and tactics of tank warfare which were later put to such effective use by the Nazis for their World War II blitzkriegs. His many books include A Military History of the Western World (3 volumes), The Generalship of Ulysses S. Grant, Julius Caesar: Man, Soldier, and Tyrant, and The Generalship of Alexander the Great, all of which are available from Da Capo Press/Perseus Book Group.

Product Details

• Paperback: 336 pages
• Publisher: Da Capo Press; Reprint edition (March 21, 1991)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0306804220
• ISBN-13: 978-0306804229
• Product Dimensions: 8.1 x 5.5 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.4 out of 5 stars See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #678,569 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars A revisionist view and not very interesting., October 9, 2002

By	mike esposito "espo" (Roselle, IL United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Julius Caesar: Man, Soldier, and Tyrant (Audio Cassette)

Fuller's account of the Career of Julius Caesar can also be found in Caesar's own commentaries. Some of his insights into Caesar's personality are interesting, but most can be found in classical works by Appian and Dio. His thesis that Caesar was not the great general and statesman that history dipicts him can be disputed. Caesar was the first ancient general to incorporate siegeworks as a tactical tool. Fuller's claim that the roman army was "lucky" that it did not encounter stronger cavalry arms is unfounded. Cavalry in anceint times was not much more than a skirmishing force, not in the same league as the legionares.

I was displeased with the dry, accounts of caesar's campaigns, surprising for a military man like Fuller. Also, he does not go into great detail about Caesar's personality, other than to quote the classical historians.

Overall, a very average work.

7 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars War as written by a warrior, July 6, 2001

By	"chronosmage" (Chapel Hill, NC United States) - See all my reviews

This book is a classic. Not only is it a classic, it is written by one of the most innovative generals in the 20th Century: JFC Fuller. Mr. Fuller is credited with developing the armored division of the British army, and is therefore an innovator. Almost a kindred spirit, Julius Caeser is described not in terms of how his life was led, but how it was affected by military and political aspects. This book is a must read for any ancient history or military history buff.

9 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A most informative book with a good insight into Caesar., April 17, 1999

By A Customer

I found this book most informative and interesting. It has an amazing insight into not only the life of this amazing man but also the times in which he lived. The book effectivly depicts Caesar not only as man but also a good tactitioner and leader. This book has been well researched and writen in an easy to follow way. Although I already know a fair bit about Julius I found that this book informed me on alot of things I previously had no knowledge of. I emensly enjoyed this book and would recomend this book to anyone with a interest in the Ancient Roman Republic and Empire.