Author:Plutarch,Robin Seager,Rex Warner
Dramatic artist, natural scientist and philosopher, Plutarch is widely regarded as the most significant historian of his era, writing sharp and succinct accounts of the greatest politicians and statesman of the classical period. Taken from the Lives, a series of biographies spanning the Graeco-Roman age, this collection illuminates the twilight of the old Roman Republic from 157-43 bc. Whether describing the would-be dictators Marius and Sulla, the battle between Crassus and Spartacus, the death of political idealist Crato, Julius Caesar's harrowing triumph in Gaul or the eloquent oratory of Cicero, all offer a fascinating insight into an empire wracked by political divisions. Deeply influential on Shakespeare and many other later writers, they continue to fascinate today with their exploration of corruption, decadence and the struggle for ultimate power.
Her intention is that fact and fiction should complement each other. They do perfectly
—— Frances Spalding , Sunday TimesWith clarity of purpose and clarity of style, she has written a book that is both elegant and thoughtful
—— Michael Prodger , Sunday TelegraphGillian Tindall is a tapestry maker. She finds patterns in history - woven from close research into people and places - that no one else would have the persistence and insight to pursue
—— IndependentA testament to the late Booth that he could make such a boring subject so interesting.
—— Sunday TimesA colourful tale ... Chronicles the remarkable and often mystifying process through which cannabis became outlawed throughout the Western world, and the devastating effect such legislation has had on the global economy.
—— Sunday TelegraphAfter two puffs on a marijuana cigarette, I was turned into a bat.
—— Dr James Munch, pharmacologist'Amazingly informative...fascinating stuff'
—— Financial Times