Collecting the most incisive & influential writings of one of Rome's finest orators Cicero's Selected Works is translated with an introduction by Michael Grant in Penguin Classics Lawyer philosopher statesman & defender of Rome's Republic Cicero was a master of eloquence & his pure literary & oratorical style & strict sense of morality have been a powerful influence on European literature & thought for over two thousand years in matters of politics philosophy & faith This selection demonstrates the diversity of his writings &
Includes:: letters to friends & statesmen on Roman life & politics; the vitriolic Second Philippic Against Antony; & his two most famous philosophical treatises On Duties & On Old Age
- a celebration of his own declining years Written at a time of brutal political & social change Cicero's lucid ethical writings formed the foundation of the Western liberal tradition in political & moral thought that continues to this day This translation by Michael Grant conveys the elegance of Cicero's writings His introduction describes their social & political background while maps genealogical charts timelines & a glossary place the works in context Marcus Tullius Cicero (106-43 BC) Roman orator & statesman was born at Arpinium to a wealthy local family Having been educated in Rome by 70 BC he had established himself as a leading barrister & was beginning a successful political career Cicero received honours usually reserved only for the Roman aristocracy & was one of the greatest Roman orators If you enjoyed Selected Works you might like Suetonius' The Twelve Caesars also available in Penguin Classics