Julius Caesar: Master of Surprise

This engaging read presents a student-friendly overview of the life and accomplishments of Julius Caesar with special emphasis on his family background and early life. The biography is based not only on the traditional sources-Suetonius and Plutarch-but also on the private correspondence and observation of Caesar's contemporaries-both his friends and his enemies. Based on these sources, the book demonstrates that Caesar was a very determined individual who developed and largely managed to execute a series of original responses to the unique situations of his times. Julius Caesar: Master of Surprise is a must-have title for all high school Latin programs.

Special Features

Map of Caesar's World
Plan of the Battle with the Nervii
Black and white illustrations that provide visual context
Discussion questions for each of the five chapters
Glossary of special (e.g., Latin) terms and key Romans of Caesar's day
List of ancient sources and bibliography
Caesar's Family Tree
Appendix on Shakespeare's Julius Caesar including an analysis of its ancient sources