Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #31536 in Books
• Published on: 1974-04-25
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 272 pages

Synopsis
Lawyer, philosopher, statesman and defender of Rome's Republic, Cicero was a master of eloquence, and his pure literary and oratorical style and strict sense of morality have been a powerful influence on European literature and thought for over two thousand years in matters of politics, philosophy, and faith. This selection demonstrates the diversity of his writings, and includes letters to friends and statesmen on Roman life and politics; the vitriolic Second Philippic Against Antony; and his two most famous philosophical treatises, On Duties and On Old Age. Written at a time of brutal political and social change, Cicero's writings formed the foundation of the Western liberal tradition in political and moral thought that continues to this day.

Customer Reviews

Some things never change
Cicero was a name that kept cropping up in books about Julius Caesar, the Christian Meier book is good. He seemed to be a good man - he supported democracy (in as much as the elite should be able to vote) and believed in helping one's fellow man (he was even nice to his slaves!?!). This book is a selection of writings that gives a flavour to the man. He was a thinker but not profoundly original. He writes a moving letter to his son (who he never saw again before he died) - the tender encouragments that he gives would be quite at home in the 21st century. He describes the depravity of Mark Anthony in hilarious detail (vomiting in the Senate etc). He writes on the benefits of old age (he was old when he wrote it and me thinks he protests too much!).
This is a book that is worth reading. You will come away with a better feel for a great name from ancient times.