The Civil Wars

Oct 30, 2024 7:25 AM

Author:Appian,John Carter

The Civil Wars

Taken from Appian's Roman History, the five books collected here form the sole surviving continuous historical narrative of the era between 133-35 BC - a time of anarchy and instability for the Roman Empire. A masterly account of a turbulent epoch, they describe the Catiline conspiracy; the rise and fall of the First Triumvirate; the murder of Julius Caesar; the formation of the Second Triumvirate by Antonius, Octavian, and Lepidus; and brutal civil war. A compelling depiction of the decline of the Roman state into brutality and violence, The Civil Wars portrays political discontent, selfishness and the struggle for power - a struggle that was to culminate in a titanic battle for mastery over the Roman Empire, and the defeat of Antony and Cleopatra by Octavian in 31 BC

Reviews

In his excellent and lucid account, Shephard fully makes his case that the aftermath of the liberation of Belsen was an episode in which the British can take pride...a powerful and dramatic narrative

—— Frank McLynn , Independent

A solidly researched, scrupulously balanced and sensitive account of the liberation that will serve as a fitting tribute and a guide to future generations about how best to remember Belsen

—— David Cesarini , Guardian

A moving story

—— Times Literary Supplement

Contributors to the ever-growing opus of Holocaust historiography have been accused by some of creating an industry. However, Shephard's contribution is not superfluous and he negotiates his harrowing material surefootedly

—— Katrina Goldstone , Irish Times

probably the most harrowing book I'll ever read...gripping....its subject matter is something that should never be forgotten

—— Bookseller

a fascinating, compelling read

—— Ham and High

Few books on the Third Reich offer a genuinely fresh perspective on the period but Roger Moorhouse's engrossing chronicle of the plots against Hitler does

—— Nick Rennison , The Sunday Times

This book shows what a murderous place Hitler's Reich was, and that the Fuhrer had the devil's own luck

—— M.R.D. Foot

The first detailed account of the numerous attempts to kill one of history's most reviled dictators

—— Herald

Osborne has written a fluent and fascinating book.... Read and enjoy this remarkable book

—— THES

Previous Article：After Daybreak Next Article：Gunpowder Plots

Comments

Welcome to zzdbook comments! Please keep conversations courteous and on-topic. To fosterproductive and respectful conversations, you may see comments from our Community Managers.