Julius Caesar

"The Civil War" is Julius Caesar's personal account of his war with Pompey the Great - the war which destroyed the five hundred-year old Roman Republic. Caesar the victor became Caesar the dictator. In three short books, Caesar describes how, in order to defend his dignitas (honour), and the libertas (freedom) of both himself and the Roman people, he marched on Rome, and defeated the forces of Pompey and the Senate in Italy, Spain, and Greece. Caesar's commentaries, written in famously simple prose, with the distinctive use of the third person, offer a unique opportunity to read the victor's version of events.

Among the most durable and engaging texts in world literature, Julius Caesar's "Conquest of Gaul" tells how he and his legions conquered much of modern France in less than a decade (58-51 BCE), despite determined resistance. Perhaps the most famous Roman ever, Gaius Julius Caesar created a legacy which has resonated, for good or ill, throughout Western culture. Architect of an imperial system, eponymous sponsor of a reformed calendar system, orator second only to Cicero, conqueror of Gaul: Surely those accomplishments in the diverse fields of politics, applied mathematics, rhetoric, and military science would justify his eminence. Nevertheless, the high literary quality and historical value of this seemingly modest account match its exciting story of diplomatic maneuverings, shifting alliances, and military actions; the final chapters culminate in the revolt of the united Gallic tribes under Vercingetorix, France's first national hero, and are as compelling as any contemporary spy thriller.

Book III of Caesar's "de Bello Civili" is arguably the most interesting he ever wrote, containing as it does the two major campaigns of Dyrrachium and of Pharsalus - Caesar's titanic struggle with his arch-rival Pompey. This edition, first published in 1941, remains an extremely serviceable introduction. It was designed with the comparative beginner in mind. An introduction contains the historical background; extensive annotation gives assistance with linguistic difficulties; and there is a full vocabulary. There are full chapter headings in English enabling the reader to follow the narrative and easily select sections of most interest.

This school edition of Caesar's Gallic War book VII contains an introduction giving background and context, the Latin text, notes on the text and vocabulary.

Julius Caesar's De Bello Gallico is a clear, straightforward account of his campaigns against the Gauls in seven books, covering the period 58 to 52 BC. Book II deals with his campaigns against the Belgae, Bellocai, Nervii and Aduatuci. This school edition gives the Latin text of Book II of De Bello Gallico, with an Introduction giving background information on Gaul, the military situation, the Roman army, Caesar himself, and his book. It also includes come comments on pronunciation and translation, extensive grammatical notes and a useful vocabulary.

Book I of Caesar's Commentaries on the Gallic War starts with an account of Gaul and goes on to cover Caesar's defeat of first the Helvetians and then the Germans under Ariovistus. The Introduction to this edition of the Latin text, first published in 1957, gives background information on the Rome of Caesar's time, on Caesar himself and on the composition and reliability of his commentaries, on Gaul, and on the Roman Army. Useful maps are provided, along with Notes on the text, Index of names, and a Vocabulary.

Book V of De Bello Gallico, Julius Caesar's memoirs of the Gallic War, deals the preparations for and execution of his second assault on Britain in 54 BC, and the revolt which broke out amongst the tribes of ancient Gaul, in which Quintus Cicero (younger brother of the orator) was involved. It also covers and defeat of the British commander Cassivellaunus, his return to Gaul and his campaigns against the Belgae. The content therefore makes this an ideal book for students to tackle as they make their first approach to Caesar's prose. This school edition still provides a very reliable, serviceable introduction, clearly presented notes, index of proper names and a full vocabulary.

This selection from Caesar's Gallic War, intended for use in schools, includes the following passages in Latin: Book IV, chapters 20-36, and Book V, chapters 8-23. These cover Caesar's expeditions to Britain in 55 and 54 BC. Eight explanatory sections in English, with maps, palns and notes give the student an opportunity to become familiar with Roman Britain and to follow up with project work n that background area. The Latin text is supplemented by an introduction and textual notes on the text in English aid the comprehension of the Latin.

Between 58 and 50BC Caesar conquered most of the area now covered by France, Belgium and Switzerland, and twice invaded Britain. This is the record of his campaigns.Caesar's narrative offers insights into his military strategy & paints a fascinating picture of his encounters with the inhabitant of Gaul and Britain, as well as offering lively portraits of a number of key characters such as the rebel leaders and Gallic chieftains. This can also be read as a piece of political propaganda, as Caesar sets down his version of events for the Roman public, knowing that he faces civil war on his return to Rome.

A military leader of legendary genius, Caesar was also a great writer, recording the events of his life with incomparable immediacy and power. The Civil War is a tense and gripping depiction of his struggle with Pompey over the leadership of Republican Rome - a conflict that spanned the entire Roman world, from Gaul and Spain to Asia and Africa. Where Caesar's own account leaves off in 48 BC, his lieutenants take up the history, describing the vital battles of Munda, Spain and Thapsus, and the installation of Cleopatra, later Caesar's mistress, as Queen of Egypt. Together these narratives paint a full picture of the events that brought Caesar supreme power - and paved the way for his assassination only months later.