DarkRaven
New Member
I'm a massive fan of Harris's books about Cicero: Imperium and Lustrum. Has anyone else read them?
They're very interesting, both from a historical perspective (most of the events that happen did in fact happen - at least the major ones), but also from a political perspective. As the two books progress, Cicero changes from a populist to becoming a tool of the aristocracy. This is an act of unashamed pragmatism - he does what he needs to do, to get into power.
Arguably, the best part of the book is the character of Cicero, but apart from himself and his wife Terentia, I don't feel he did a great job of portraying the other ''friendly characters.'' Catalina, Caesar, Pompeii and Crasus were portrayed passably well. Their villainous traits are shown to us, but very little else.
That said, the books are very interesting. If you like politics and history, I'm sure you'll enjoy them.
Thoughts anyone? Experiences to share?
They're very interesting, both from a historical perspective (most of the events that happen did in fact happen - at least the major ones), but also from a political perspective. As the two books progress, Cicero changes from a populist to becoming a tool of the aristocracy. This is an act of unashamed pragmatism - he does what he needs to do, to get into power.
Arguably, the best part of the book is the character of Cicero, but apart from himself and his wife Terentia, I don't feel he did a great job of portraying the other ''friendly characters.'' Catalina, Caesar, Pompeii and Crasus were portrayed passably well. Their villainous traits are shown to us, but very little else.
That said, the books are very interesting. If you like politics and history, I'm sure you'll enjoy them.
Thoughts anyone? Experiences to share?
