A quick book recommendation. I’ve read a number of Caesar biographies. But each that I’ve read, or started reading, was either too ensconced in the professional historical literature or too cartoonish and overdrawn. Here’s an exception: Adrian Goldsworthy’s Caesar: Life of a Colossus.
I’m not sure I would have had high hopes for this book since Goldsworthy is primarily a military historian. I think I must have gotten it as a review copy. But when I picked it up to read just a few days ago he immediately pulled me into the story. I haven’t gotten far enough into the book yet to read Goldsworthy’s treatment of the conquest of Gaul, which I’m sure is excellent, given his area of specialty. But I’m eager to recommend it just on the basis of what I’ve read so far, which covers Caesar’s early life. Goldsworthy not only brings his subject to life but has an engaging way of sifting through and meditating over source material that is often particularly incomplete or ambiguous for this early period in Caesar’s life. Writing ancient history that is both historically grounded and compelling reading is a special challenge because the historical record, compared to anything in the last 1000 years or so, is so thin. But he makes this oldest of stories vital, hop right off the page.
In so many words, I was dubious that Goldsworthy would make a good biographer. But he quickly set me straight. This book is a treat.
If this period of history has a hold on you definitely get a copy.
