Dramatic artist natural scientist & philosopher Plutarch is widely regarded as the most significant historian of his era writing sharp & succinct accounts of the greatest politicians & statesman of the classical period. Taken from the Lives" a series of biographies spanning the Graeco-Roman age this collection illuminates the twilight of the old Roman Republic from 157-43 bc. Whether describing the would-be dictators Marius & Sulla the battle between Crassus & Spartacus the death of political idealist Crato Julius Caesars harrowing triumph in Gaul or the eloquent oratory of Cicero all offer a fascinating insight into an empire wracked by political divisions. Deeply influential on Shakespeare & many other later writers they continue to fascinate today with their exploration of corruption decadence & the struggle for ultimate power."