The Civil Wars

It was exactly what I wanted. A good translation of the book.

This is the concluding half of Caesar's Commentaries, the first half of which appears as "The Conquest of Gaul". Everything I wrote about that book is also true here. This is a marvelous example of a first-hand historical account of major events written by the major protagonist. A rare and precious thing, to say the least. Caesar wrote his "Commentaries" for the popular consumption of the citizens back home. Propagandist though they may have been in their original purpose, they nevertheless are an accurate account of events and they vividly showcase the talents of their author. Besides being a consumate general and politician, Caesar was also a great speaker, a careful observer, and an outstanding writer. His writing is at once concise, informative and interesting.This book includes three accounts that are thought to have been written by some of Caesar's lieutenants. While this may bring down the quality of the narrative a bit, it is certainly understandable given the human whirlwind that was Caesar during these years. From the crossing of the Rubicon in 49 B.C., where the book begins, Caesar proceeded to occupy Rome, pacify Spain, defeat Pompey at Pharsalus, establish Cleopatra on the throne of Egypt, defeat his opponents at Thapsus, and dispose of the last opposition forces in southern Spain by 45 B.C.A few months after these events, Caesar was assassinated in Rome after assuming the position of "perpetual dictator". It was argued that Caesar sought to be King of Rome. In fact, however, he was not the first to assume the position of Dictator after emerging successfully from civil strife. Both Marius and Sulla had gained similar powers within the preceding 60 years. For those interested in a fictional, but nevertheless vivid and historically accurate account of this entire period, I suggest Colleen McCullough's series, beginning with "The First Man In Rome" and continuing (so far) through five volumes, the latest of which is entitled "Caesar". More are planned.As for "The Civil War", it may not be quite as exciting or compelling as "The Conquest of Gaul", but it is still excellent reading. And it's all true. Try it. I think you'll like it.

Like his "Gallic War," Julius Caesar's account of the civil war between himself and Pompey has been called propaganda (he does speak of himself in the third person after all), written intermittently by a very busy man engaged in many other "affairs", to justify himself and his actions to the Senate and people of Rome. If this is so I would happily cast my vote for any candidate who could write with such lucidity and straightforward style, even if that candidate harbored imperial aspirations of his own.

The Civil War is finely narrated by Caesar concerning his vainful efforts in trying to get Pompey & his opponents to accede to peace in order to avert the outcoming conflict.He fails,despite his sound & convincing pleas.The rest of the campaigns are written by either eye-witnesses to the accounts or second hand informed ones who manage to carry their narrative well,except for the difficult & quite laborious prose of the Spanish campaign.Though not as exciting as The Gallic Campaign,Caesar's talent still shines through,particularly in Pharsalus & Spain during the first part of the Civil War, & Caesar's speeches & handling of people & situations are convicing & admirable.Indispensable reading & good education for military matters.