Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #8029 in Books
• Published on: 2007-05-03
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 720 pages

Anthony Everitt, THE INDEPENDENT
'Goldsworthy is a fine military historian and his account of the Gallic Wars is exemplary.'

Review
"Goldsworthy's magnificent biography places Caesar in the context of the Roman world and shows why we return to the great man." (Toby Clements Telegraph )

Dr Philip Matyszak, author THE SONS OF CAESAR
'Will remain the definitive biography of Caesar for years to come'

Customer Reviews

A brilliant biography of Caesar that aims to cover all his facets
Adrian Goldsworthy is known to me as a writer of exceptional ability, especially when covering complex subjects. In this biography, he ambitiously attempts to cover Caesar the politician, Caesar the General and as much of Caesar the man that's available to history (sadly, very little). Many biographies concentrate on his military campaigns at the expense of his political aspect (a big mistake, as the two are indivisible), or vice versa. It was a gamble, but Goldsworthy more than suceeds. If you've never read a biography of Caesar before, start with this one - but that doesn't mean he neglects the scholarly aspects. He's not afraid to lay out to the reader the historical controversies that still swirl about Caesar, just as they did when he was alive.

Goldsworthy has the ability to make a complex subject appear both clear and simple, and a highly engaging writing style. I hope he goes on to cover Sulla, Marius, Pompeius and Cicero: or perhaps even older Roman characters. I hope I'll have the opportunity to buy many more of his books. I grew up when narrative history had fallen out of fashion. I'm so glad people have realised that history can be written this way, without sacrificing any academic integrity. Buy this book and you won't be disappointed!

Excellent Biography
Adrian Goldsworthy's latest book, "Caesar", is another one of those great books that you cannot afford to miss this year. Following on from his excellent run of books; "The Punic Wars" and "In The Name of Rome", this new title is a great addition to anyone's library.

The tale of Julius Caesar has been told before many times but I doubt as well as this in recent times. The research and story telling is exceptional. I found the book easy to read although it is quite detailed in regards to the political and social events and background that made up Rome during Caesar's period.

The accounts of Caesar's military campaigns were well told and presented with a number of basic maps to assist the reader in following the action. The author presented the facts covering Caesar's life in an un-biased way and left it to the reader to make up his own mind in regards to those controversial events in Caesar's life.

The book is about 520 pages in narrative text along with a number of black & white photographs and maps. Overall this is a good book and I am sure anyone who has an interest or passion for this period of history or for Julius Caesar will enjoy this book immensely.

Veni Vidi Vici - I came I saw I conquered
Adrian Goldsworthy has produced a gripping history of one of the most colourful men to emerge from the classical world and indeed throughout history. The book traces Caesar's life from his early year and his exploits as a young man through his political and military career and of course his infamous death on the Ides of March 44BC.

Goldsworthy, a scholar of ancient warfare has detailed the military campaigns of Caesars proconsular command in Gaul with great clarity. There is an abundance of maps, which, unfortunately, are conspicuously absent in many books. There are several pages of b/w photographs of busts, coins and Rome etc. The complexities of Roman politics are handled by the author with ease, making this book a great read, enthusiast or not.