Marcus Tullius Cicero's Selected Works: An Introduction to the Life and Writings of Cicero

Andrew Reece: Marcus Tullius Cicero was a Roman senator who was born during the late Republican era in Roman history in 106 B.C. His father was a modestly wealthy equestrian with a physical handicap which excluded him from experiencing a successful civic career, so he devoted his life to learning instead. Cicero's origins when compared with the legacy he leaves behind for us, are not extravagant by any stretch of the imagination.

As a lawyer & a senator Marcus Cicero lived during an exciting & turbulent time in Roman history, he assisted in terminating the infamous Catiline Conspiracy with his 'Catiline Orations' & was vehemently outspoken in his opposition of the triumvir Marc Antony & his wife the noblewoman Fulvia, both of whom were operating outside of Roman law & considered to be enemies of the state. Cicero wrote a total of fourteen 'Phillipics' the second of which is included in this book against Antony that were intended to portray Antony in a negative light to the Roman senate & people in the wake of the political turmoil following Caesar's assassination in 44 B.C.

Sadly, it was this animosity between Cicero & Marc Antony that ultimately proved...

United States on Mar 08, 2022

Brent: The letters, speeches, and reflections of Cicero give remarkable insights into a dramatic period of Roman history. Excellent contextual notes by the translator.

Canada on Dec 15, 2020

MS L A McPherson: Contains a good selection of his works - gives a real feeling for the man.

United Kingdom on Nov 10, 2020

Bobbie: Ably translated, introduced and annotated by Michael Grant, this is a short, readable selection of Cicero’s works: Against Verres; 23 letters; the second Philippic against Anthony; On duties III; and On old age. The Oxford Latin course got me interested in Cicero. Robert Harris’s Imperium trilogy and its two-part adaptation for the stage brought him and his times vividly to life, so I was curious to dip into his works. Without that grounding, I would have been bored by this book, I think. The writing is impressive (p20: his “unprecedentedly eloquent language... is the foundation of all subsequent European prose), but his arguments are long-winded, repetitious, incorrigibly boastful, and his philosophy, though attractive, has holes. What I really liked however was the feeling I had by now, primed by the Oxford course, Robert Harris and the actors, of knowing this flawed genius rather well and very much liking him, warts and all, as if he were alive & breathing, not murdered on Anthony’s orders 2062 years ago. P.245: “You cannot suppose that I should have worked so hard, day and night, in war and peace alike, if I had believed my fame would not outlast my life... my...

United Kingdom on May 23, 2019

Glenn Russell: Selected Works of the great Roman orator/statesman/philosopher Cicero is an excellent book for anyone approaching his work for the first time. Not only are there selections from Cicero’s writings on politics, moral philosophy and old age but there is a superb 30 page introduction written by Michael Grant. Thank you, Penguin books and thank you, Michael Grant! To provide a little Roman rasa, below are several quotes from the book along with my comments.

From Michael Grant’s Introduction

“Cicero was not often a very successful politician, but he derives unmistakable greatness from his insistence, against odds, that such dictatorial rulers were in the wrong because they unjustifiably curtailed the freedom of the individual; whereas the ultimate authority should be not themselves but certain unchangeable moral principles.” --------- Anybody who picks up a newspaper anywhere in the world will recognize immediately how Cicero’s writings are as relevant today as they were in ancient Rome. Matter of fact, with our omnipresent multinational corporations added to the political mix, perhaps even more relevant.

“Cicero’s task was not an easy one; the Greek...

United States on Dec 19, 2014

D. Rogers: Difficult to rate this work, Cicero is one is of fundamental thinkers of the ancient world, though not as such a philosopher. With a tendency to the verbose it can sometimes be difficult to pick out the thread of his arguments. In contrast to reading say, Plato. Nevertheless, his infulence on what we call modern thinking cannot be underestimated. An essential read.

United Kingdom on Aug 19, 2013

Patrick Sullivan: The area of the book with the most to offer, is the chapter on how to live. The first part discusses various codes of behaviour. The second part is titled; On Old Age. Cicero`s observations and suggestions regarding old age, are definitely worth reading. In fact, I am sure this will not be the last time I read the chapter on old age. This may be the best material ever written, in regards to becoming older.
The negative area of the book is the rant against Antony. Cicero just seems to get a little carried away. He carries on and on, and things become rather long winded.
I would recommend this book to just about anyone. The chapter on old age, is the crowning achievement of Cicero`s writings.

Canada on Jun 22, 2010