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Suetonius
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Lives of the Twelve Caesars (Wordsworth Classics of World Literature) Paperback – August 5, 1997

by Suetonius (Author)
4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 43 ratings
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Suetonius, chronicler of the extraordinary personalities of the first dynasties to rule the Roman Empire, was the greatest Latin biographer. His colourful work, Lives of the Twelve Caesars, is, along with Tacitus, the major source for the period from Julius Caesar to Domitian. He sets out in vivid detail a great range of aspects illuminating the emperor's characters, their habits, from table to bedchamber - their intrigues, their loves and their deaths. Himself a court official, he quotes from a variety of sources, from the official and private documents as well as from old anecdotes, gossip, songs and jokes, giving an unparalleled oblique view of his subjects. Long familiar to students of classics, he found a new audience as the main source for Robert Graves' novels and the subsequent television series I, Claudius.
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  1. Print length
    384 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    Wordsworth Editions Ltd
  4. Publication date
    August 5, 1997
  5. Dimensions
    5.25 x 1 x 8 inches
  6. ISBN-10
    185326475X
  7. ISBN-13
    978-1853264757
  8. See all details
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Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Tom Griffith has also translated Plato's The Republic, Symposium, Euthyphro, Apology, Crito, Phaedo, and Phaedrus.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Wordsworth Editions Ltd; Revised edition (August 5, 1997)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 384 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 185326475X
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1853264757
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 8.6 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.25 x 1 x 8 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 43 ratings

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Suetonius

Suetonius

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Customer reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars
4.5 out of 5
43 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

KL
5.0 out of 5 stars This particular edition's translation is relatively easy to read yet captures the nuances of Suetonius' intentions
Reviewed in the United States on October 6, 2015
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Suetonius' Lives of the Twelve Caesars is a little hard to read at first if you've been out of the loop for almost two millennia for he essentially wrote a tabloid on the rulers of his time (and if you're not familiar with the names of the minor players from other sources, you will miss a lot of context).

This particular edition's translation is relatively easy to read yet captures the nuances of Suetonius' intentions. I feel it is a book that is best read twice leisurely for all the subtext. Don't rush this one.
2 people found this helpful
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The Kid
5.0 out of 5 stars A Deeper Looker
Reviewed in the United States on March 6, 2014
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This reads more like a Cliff Notes version of history and not like a novel. But it is heavy in details and a must read if you are studying Rome or Roman history. I know it shined new light on several emperors for me.
One person found this helpful
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S. G. Fortosis
3.0 out of 5 stars Good but a bit of a hodge-podge
Reviewed in the United States on July 18, 2016
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Poor Suetonius did his best to present the juicier aspects of twelve of the Roman Caesars. However, I felt at times that he had lost his moorings and was just sort of cutting and pasting bits and pieces about their lives, their friends, enemies, and families. It was often disjointed and wasn't even speaking directly about a particular caesar but about events of the period.
I finally set the book down halfway through and didn't go back. I know this is a rare account of the down and dirty from ancient history and in that sense, it is crucial history. I guess I'm just used to historical accounts being told in a clearer and more orderly fashion.
One person found this helpful
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M. Ames
5.0 out of 5 stars The Lives of the Twelve Caesars
Reviewed in the United States on June 11, 2012
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This is a very comprehensive study of the 12 Caesars, and not just a fun reading book. If you are at all interested in Roman culture and leaders, then this is the book for you!
One person found this helpful
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Clara L Delgado
5.0 out of 5 stars I loved it
Reviewed in the United States on February 13, 2014
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Very easy and interesting read. Genuine. Get a good feel for the times. I think all the comments add to the history; they don't take away.
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Admer Gouryh
5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
Reviewed in the United States on February 3, 2016
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It exceeded my expectations, almost brand-new.
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Alegandron
5.0 out of 5 stars Great classic read
Reviewed in the United States on November 8, 2015
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Great classic read
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Phillip
5.0 out of 5 stars Thanks.
Reviewed in the United States on January 29, 2016
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Excellent book.
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Top reviews from other countries

Brenda C.
5.0 out of 5 stars Twelve Caesars
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 4, 2014
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This a a great translation of Suetonius, whom I consider the John Aubrey of his day. Historically interesting and surprisingly gossipy in parts it is a glimpse into the distant past, making it come alive with real, though often flawed people..
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Keith in Canada
5.0 out of 5 stars A wonderful read! And a great window into the Roman World!
Reviewed in Canada on April 25, 2010
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I really enjoyed this book. And as Suetonius wrote it, I really felt like I was getting an insiders view of a World I'm quite fascinated with and interested in. Thoroughly enjoyable!
One person found this helpful
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Mrs V Keeble
5.0 out of 5 stars Not that easy to read but worth it
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on September 11, 2014
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This is a must for anyone who is thoroughly confused with which Caesar is who. Shows their weaknesses and foibles. Not that easy to read but worth it.
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A. W. Pattinson
4.0 out of 5 stars GOOD BOOK
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 11, 2013
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Very good and easy to read book on the lives of the Caesars, if covers most of their lives in an easy to read and understand way. My only problem the printing was slightly small for my eye sight.
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a person of good taste
5.0 out of 5 stars Go on give it a go, it is very interesting!
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on November 3, 2012
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This is very interesting. I know that it is knocking on a bit, only a mere 2,000 years, but it is readable, very much so. My wife read it and she has no interest in history!
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