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Caesar: Life of a Colossus Kindle Edition

4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 2,156 ratings
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This “captivating biography” of the great Roman general “puts Caesar’s war exploits on full display, along with his literary genius” and more (The New York Times)
 
Tracing the extraordinary trajectory of the Julius Caesar’s life, Adrian Goldsworthy not only chronicles his accomplishments as charismatic orator, conquering general, and powerful dictator but also lesser-known chapters during which he was high priest of an exotic cult and captive of pirates, and rebel condemned by his own country. Goldsworthy also reveals much about Caesar’s intimate life, as husband and father, and as seducer not only of Cleopatra but also of the wives of his two main political rivals.
 
This landmark biography examines Caesar in all of these roles and places its subject firmly within the context of Roman society in the first century B.C. Goldsworthy realizes the full complexity of Caesar’s character and shows why his political and military leadership continues to resonate thousands of years later.
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Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Starred Review. The man who virtually defined the West's concept of leadership comes alive in this splendid biography. Military historian Goldsworthy (The Complete Roman Army) gives a comprehensive, vigorous account of Caesar's conquest of Gaul and his victories in the civil war that made him master of Rome. But he doesn't stint on the nonmartial aspects of Caesar's life—his dandyism, his flagrant womanizing (which didn't stop enemies from gay-baiting him), his supple political genius and the flair for drama and showmanship that cowed mutinous legionaries and courted Rome's restive masses. Goldsworthy's is a sympathetic profile. In his telling, Caesar's massacres and group enslavements, though "utterly ruthless," are considered and pragmatic, not wanton, and the conqueror seems to possess a moderation and magnanimity that sprang from the same idealized self-image that fed his ambition. The author's vivid portrait of the late Roman Republic that Caesar toppled is correspondingly jaundiced: its politics are about nothing except the personal ambitions of powerful men, and chaos, corruption and violence reign beneath the ritualistic niceties of republican procedure. More compellingly than most biographies, Goldsworthy's exhaustive, lucid, elegantly written life makes its subject the embodiment of his age. 16 pages of b&w photos, maps. (Sept.)
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

From Booklist

One of the most recognizable names to the ancient and modern worlds, Caesar is one of the few figures from the Roman Empire--Cicero and Augustus are two others--susceptible to modern biographical treatment. Caesar, by Christian Meier (1996), was the previous portrait. Goldsworthy is a historian of the Roman army, a credential vital to assessing the career of Caesar, conqueror of Gaul, instigator of a fateful civil war, dictator, and would-be conqueror of Parthia (modern Iraq) but for the Ides of March. Leaning on Caesar's Commentaries on the Gallic War, Goldsworthy exhibits strong explanatory skill about military campaigns and about Caesar's rising but precarious political status at Rome. Accepting that Caesar crossed the Rubicon to stave off personal ruination, Goldsworthy's account of the ensuing war nevertheless does not absolve his opponents, Pompey and Cato primarily, from responsibility for the political impasse behind the war. In any case, Caesar sealed his military reputation with a rapid victory. Eternally intriguing history readers, the end of the Roman Republic receives astute analysis and dramatic narration in Goldsworthy's life of Caesar. Gilbert Taylor
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0015R3HJS
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Yale University Press; 1st edition (September 22, 2006)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ September 22, 2006
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 5.3 MB
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 724 pages
  • Page numbers source ISBN ‏ : ‎ 0753821583
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 2,156 ratings

About the author

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Adrian Keith Goldsworthy
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Adrian Goldsworthy has a doctorate from Oxford University. His first book, THE ROMAN ARMY AT WAR was recognised by John Keegan as an exceptionally impressive work, original in treatment and impressive in style. He has gone on to write several other books, including THE FALL OF THE WEST, CAESAR, IN THE NAME OF ROME, CANNAE and ROMAN WARFARE, which have sold more than a quarter of a million copies and been translated into more than a dozen languages. A full-time author, he regularly contributes to TV documentaries on Roman themes.

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4.6 out of 5 stars
2,156 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book engaging and well-written. They appreciate the author's fair treatment of the subject and deep understanding of Caesar's life and times. The book provides detailed information about Caesar's life and his political strategies. Readers describe the character development as phenomenal and impressive. The pacing is smooth and easy to follow, even though it's a lengthy read.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

133 customers mention "Readability"113 positive20 negative

Customers find the book well-written and engaging. They say it's a pleasure to read and worth the time. Readers praise the author as awesome and say he covers every aspect.

"...of ancient historians like Suetonius, Plutarch, Appian, and Dio Cassius is masterful, as he cross-references their accounts to paint a comprehensive..." Read more

"...and so forth are all incorporated into this fascinating and well written book...." Read more

"...Goldsworthy really delivered." Read more

"One of the best books I’ve read." Read more

102 customers mention "Writing quality"99 positive3 negative

Customers find the writing quality good. The author is fair with his subject, providing precise and well-reasoned accounts of battles, actions, and ancient historians. They appreciate the author's deep understanding of Caesar's life and character. Overall, readers describe the book as engaging and a good read about Julius Caesar's life.

"...The descriptions of his invasions of Britain, the suppression of the Gallic revolt, and the continued campaigns to secure Gaul are rich in detail,..." Read more

"...This is a very well-rounded and complete (as far as is probably possible) portrait of the man and the times he lived in, from his youth to his death..." Read more

"...a lot of cons but overall the book is readable thanks to its almost popular style, modern students friendly...." Read more

"...this time illuminating Caius Julius Caesar, one of the grandest figures to have ever lived...." Read more

99 customers mention "Book detail"90 positive9 negative

Customers find the book provides a detailed and coherent understanding of Caesar's life and times. They appreciate the clear writing, good background, and context. The book is well-researched and written for an audience that appeals to scholars and general readers alike. It offers a thorough understanding of Julius Caesar and the times he lived in. Readers appreciate the author's objective presentation of evidence from all viewpoints and thoughtful view of the great Roman leader.

"...work deserves a five-star rating for its ability to provide a detailed and coherent understanding of Caesar's movements and actions, year by year,..." Read more

"...This is a substantial biography on one of the most established figures in history...." Read more

"...Looks like a lot of cons but overall the book is readable thanks to its almost popular style, modern students friendly...." Read more

"...But it also talks about the society and problems with their politics. It gives you a 10,000ftr perspective on Rome politics and the main players" Read more

46 customers mention "History"46 positive0 negative

Customers find the book provides an engaging history with just enough depth without being too heavy. They appreciate the author's knowledge of Roman military history and background on Caesar's early life. The book is a good introduction for those new to Roman history or Caesar's story.

"...Adrian Goldsworthy’s Caesar: Life of a Colossus is an extraordinary biography that meticulously traces the life and career of one of history’s most..." Read more

"...Goldsworthy is an excellent historian on Roman history, particularly on the military and political aspects of that once powerful city and its..." Read more

"...to deliver a full account, insofar as possible, for such a monumental man in history...." Read more

"...Lots of details, so not a light read, but rich with a tapestry of the times...." Read more

8 customers mention "Political strategy"8 positive0 negative

Customers find the book's political strategy interesting, though it's not his expertise. They appreciate the clear explanation of Caesar's movements and strategies, supported by evidence. The book discusses his campaigns, battles, and political genius.

"...narrative ensures readers can follow Caesar’s movements and strategies with clarity, supported by evidence from inscriptions, coinage, and..." Read more

"...But it also talks about the society and problems with their politics. It gives you a 10,000ftr perspective on Rome politics and the main players" Read more

"...Caesar the general, and the book details his campaigns, battles, and strategy...." Read more

"...He gives Roman military, political and social customs as background, precise, referenced and well reasoned accounts or battles, actions and ancient..." Read more

6 customers mention "Character development"6 positive0 negative

Customers find the character development impressive. They say the book is comprehensive and well-written, covering every appointment, battle, and dispute.

"...It seems that just about every appointment, every battle and every dispute is presented - and since he was undeniably a 'colossus', there are very..." Read more

"He was undoubtedly a phenomenal soldier and politician...." Read more

"Comprehensive and workmanlike. Good descriptions of military engagements...." Read more

"...Probably the single most impressive career of anyone in Western Civilization. Definitely a book worth reading." Read more

6 customers mention "Pacing"6 positive0 negative

Customers find the book's pacing well-done. They say it flows smoothly and is easier to follow, even though it's a lengthy read.

"...This work flows much more smoothly and is easier to follow (for an English speaker) than the translation of Matthis Gelzer's "Caesar: Politician..." Read more

"...This is a lengthy read, but it moves smoothly and adds a great deal to the understanding of the Roman world." Read more

"...The book is well researched and written, and flows well...." Read more

"...I enjoyed the pace of the book overall; however, Caesars last few years are covered in more brevity than his rise to power." Read more

7 customers mention "Length"3 positive4 negative

Customers have different views on the book's length. Some find it suitable for covering a comprehensive account, with small type and an easy-to-read format. Others feel it's too long or too short.

"...I'm probably the only one complaining that this book was too short, but I actually would have liked to see the epilogue on portrayals of Caesar in..." Read more

"The length of the book fits well for trying to deliver a full account, insofar as possible, for such a monumental man in history...." Read more

"...It is too long compared with the rest of the book and has a lot of unnecessary detail that doesn't engage the reader...." Read more

"Book came in good condition, quite big and easy to read!" Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on September 24, 2020
    Book Review: "Caesar: Life of a Colossus" by Adrian Goldsworthy

    Adrian Goldsworthy’s Caesar: Life of a Colossus is an extraordinary biography that meticulously traces the life and career of one of history’s most iconic figures, Julius Caesar. This comprehensive work deserves a five-star rating for its ability to provide a detailed and coherent understanding of Caesar's movements and actions, year by year, against the backdrop of his illustrious career.

    Goldsworthy’s narrative begins with Caesar’s birth in Rome in 100 BC and takes us through his early life, including his flight from Rome during Sulla’s proscriptions and his service in Asia Minor. As Caesar climbed the political ladder, Goldsworthy meticulously documented his roles as quaestor in Spain, aedile, Pontifex Maximus, praetor, and governor of Further Spain. Each step is backed by ancient sources and modern scholarship, providing a well-rounded view of Caesar’s formative years.

    The biography excels in its detailed recounting of the Gallic Wars (58-50 BC), where Caesar’s military genius and political acumen are vividly brought to life. Goldsworthy’s use of ancient historians like Suetonius, Plutarch, Appian, and Dio Cassius is masterful, as he cross-references their accounts to paint a comprehensive picture of Caesar’s campaigns. The descriptions of his invasions of Britain, the suppression of the Gallic revolt, and the continued campaigns to secure Gaul are rich in detail, providing a clear understanding of the complexity and scale of these military endeavors.

    Goldsworthy’s portrayal of the Civil War (49-45 BC) and Caesar’s subsequent dictatorship is equally compelling. Every event is meticulously documented, from the dramatic crossing of the Rubicon to the decisive battles at Pharsalus, Thapsus, and Munda. Goldsworthy’s narrative ensures readers can follow Caesar’s movements and strategies with clarity, supported by evidence from inscriptions, coinage, and archaeological findings.

    The book does not shy away from discussing the biases and limitations of ancient sources, highlighting the political and philosophical influences that shaped their accounts. Goldsworthy’s critical examination of these sources and modern archaeological interpretations provide a balanced and nuanced view of Caesar’s life.

    What makes Caesar: Life of a Colossus exceptional is its ability to synthesize historical and archaeological evidence into a coherent and engaging narrative. Goldsworthy’s scholarship allows us to understand Julius Caesar as a historical figure and a dynamic and multifaceted leader whose actions and decisions shaped the course of history. This comprehensive understanding of Caesar’s life and career is why I give this biography a five-star rating.

    For anyone interested in Julius Caesar's life
    , the politics of the late Roman Republic, or military history. Goldsworthy’s biography is an indispensable resource. It is a work that both enlightens and captivates, providing readers with a profound understanding of one of history’s greatest colossi.
    4 people found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on March 20, 2007
    This is the second book by Adrian Goldsworthy that I've read and once again he does not disappoint. This is a substantial biography on one of the most established figures in history. Established in the sense that people have heard the name and for the connotations the name brings forth to different people, even if they (we) have not really studied that much about Caius Julius Caesar. Goldsworthy is an excellent historian on Roman history, particularly on the military and political aspects of that once powerful city and its empire.

    I'm not going to recite Julius Caesar's life journey in detail, read the book for that. This is a very well-rounded and complete (as far as is probably possible) portrait of the man and the times he lived in, from his youth to his death at the hands of the conspirators in 44 BC. Regardless of what impressions you have or final judgements you make, and I agree with Goldsworthy's conclusion in that most people will probably have a mixed opinion, you can't deny his extraordinary abilities, especially in the military sphere. It was absolutely astonishing to read of the staggering casualties his army inflicted on all his various opponents from the Gallic War to the Civil War and the comparatively minor casualties his army incurred. However, these numbers, as the author mentioned, could easily be exaggerated. Caesar made mistakes, but boy did he win and win big, time after time.

    But in addition to his famed military prowess, Caesar was a shrewd politician. What Goldsworthy likes to stress throughout this book is that Caesar, compared to other dictators and leaders was known for his clemency. Of course this could have all been purely for calculated political purposes, but nevertheless, those who opposed Caesar fared better than say those who opposed Sulla in the previous Civil War. This is a fair point, but does not skew the fact that he could be ruthless in times of war, but as Goldsworthy believes, even that ruthlessness was not necessarily for cruelty's sake. The author is certainly trying to put Caesar in a somewhat sympathetic or more favorable light than others might, but he also admirably places Caesar within the context of the times he lived in.

    This biography isn't as purely focused on Caesar as some might assume it would be. Goldsworthy gives a fair amount of attention to Roman political life in this age as well, which is necessary. The turbulent times in Roman history that transpired throughout Julius Caesar's life, who some of the other players were, the changing dynamics of Roman society, and so forth are all incorporated into this fascinating and well written book. Whatever conclusions one may reach about Caesar or Roman life and its politics in general, you surely can't deny the impact this conspicuous Roman had and how that legacy continues to fascinate us today, though we are so far removed in time from that turbulent and dramatic age. There is much we don't learn in this book and most likely will never know, which is probably another reason why many people, including myself, are drawn to this period in history. A commendable book by an eminent historian and writer.
    18 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

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  • Moji
    5.0 out of 5 stars Don't miss out.....
    Reviewed in Mexico on September 11, 2024
    Highly recommend to anyone who is interested in much more detailed picture, then you will ever see on tv. Makes so much sense, makes you really understand the situation and mentality in a way.
    Great work. Amount of information is staggering.
    Thank you.
  • Bigjeeze
    5.0 out of 5 stars Tour de Force
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on July 22, 2024
    Excellent book, clear , concise and authoritative. An extremely enjoyable and engaging read. Thoroughly recommend it to anyone looking for the unvarnished facts , devoid of romance and drama.
  • Kevin Corkum
    5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent
    Reviewed in Canada on July 4, 2021
    Detailed descriptions of the various important battles fought by Caesar was a strong point of this book and is well worth the read.
  • Gostei
    4.0 out of 5 stars Bom
    Reviewed in Spain on February 19, 2024
    Gostei
  • Paul@Aude_France
    5.0 out of 5 stars Remarkable
    Reviewed in France on April 23, 2024
    This is an absolute masterpiece of biographical writing. It's a thoroughly fascinating account of one of history's most fascinating figures. By the end, the reader feels he knows Caesar almost intimately. It's an extraordinary achievement. There isn't a dull page in the book. When Caesar finally falls under the daggers of the treacherous senators, one can't but help feel a pang of sadness.
    Very highly recommended for even a casual reader of Roman history.

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