Selected Political Speeches (Penguin Classics) - Softcover

Cicero

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0140442146 ISBN 13: 9780140442144

Publisher: Penguin Books, 1973

Synopsis

Amid the corruption and power struggles of the collapse of the Roman Republic, Cicero (106-43BC) produced some of the most stirring and eloquent speeches in history. A statesman and lawyer, he was one of the only outsiders to penetrate the aristocratic circles that controlled the Roman state, and became renowned for his speaking to the Assembly, Senate and courtrooms. Whether fighting corruption, quashing the Catiline conspiracy, defending the poet Archias or railing against Mark Antony in the Philippics - the magnificent arguments in defence of liberty which led to his banishment and death - Cicero's speeches are oratory masterpieces, vividly evocative of the cut and thrust of Roman political life.

About this title

About the Author:

Marcus Tullius Cicero (106-43 BC) was born at Arpinium to a wealthy local family. By 70 BC he had established himself as the leading barrister in Rome, and begun his political career. His ambition was such that he was able to receive honours usually only given to members of the Roman aristocracy.

Michael Grant has successively been Chancellor's Medallist and Fellow of Trinity College, Cambridge, Professor of Humanity at Edinburgh University, first Vice-chancellor of Khartoum University, President and Vice-chancellor of the Queen's University, Belfast and President of the Classical Association.

About this edition

• Publisher: Penguin Books
• Publication date: 1973
• ISBN 10: 0140442146
• ISBN 13: 9780140442144
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 336