The Landmark Julius Caesar is the definitive edition of the five works
that chronicle the military campaigns of Julius Caesar. Together, these
five narratives present a comprehensive picture of military and
political developments leading to the collapse of the Roman republic and
the advent of the Roman Empire.
The Gallic War is Caesar's own account of his two invasions of Britain
and of conquering most of what is today France, Belgium, and
Switzerland. The Civil War describes the conflict in the following
year which, after the death of his chief rival, Pompey, and the defeat
of Pompey's heirs and supporters, resulted in Caesar's emergence as the
sole power in Rome. Accompanying Caesar's own commentaries are three
short but essential additional works, known to us as the Alexandrian
War, the African War, and the Spanish War. These were written by
three unknown authors who were clearly eyewitnesses and probably Roman
officers.
Caesar's clear and direct prose provides a riveting depiction of ancient
warfare and, not incidentally, a persuasive portrait for the Roman
people (and for us) of Caesar himself as a brilliant, moderate, and
effective leader--an image that was key to his final success.
Kurt A. Raaflaub's masterful translation skillfully brings out the
clarity and elegance of Caesar's style, and this, together with such
Landmark features as maps, detailed annotations, appendices, and
illustrations, will provide every reader from lay person to scholar with
a rewarding and enjoyable experience.
(With 2-color text, maps, and illustrations throughout; web essays
available at http: //www.thelandmarkcaesar.com/)
