A Friend of Caesar

by William Stearns Davis

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Genres: Nonfiction

392 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1900

About the author

William Stearns Davis was an American educator, historian, and author of both fiction and non-fiction.

Reviews

[Shawn · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is a bit dated in both its language and history. It was first published in 1923 and the author seemed to draft his character sketch of Julius Caesar more from Shakespeare rather than the figure who I have come to know through modern scholarship. The flourish of words Davis uses often border on the melodramatic; still - we are talking about the fall of the Roman Republic so that can be forgiven. I found this book interesting because the book shows the events from the eyes of Lucius Drusus, grandson of the great Marcus Livus Drusus and aide de camp to Caesar. Drusus is involved in a love triangle with Dmitirius Ahenobarbus and that is the story as it enfolds against the backdrop of the Great Roman Civil War. I was disappointed that the author choose to portray Cato as nothing more than an enemy of Caesar because of a old personal vendetta. Cato the Younger was an ideologue. There was nothing personal about his opposition to Caesar. The man was completely devoted to Stoicism and the Republic. A true believer. Yet this story is good and the novel is correctly considered a classic of Roman historical fiction.

[Julia · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an older (1900) historical novel dealing with the time of Julius Caesar. Caesar, Pompey, Cleopatra, and other famous historical figures have small roles in the storyline, but mostly it's about Quintus Livius Drusus, who is the friend/supporter of Julius Caesar. Most of the plot concerns the ups and downs of his love affair with Cornelia, though there are plenty of subplots that keep the story moving. It's still readable and interesting today, I found, and and gives the reader some insight on how popular historical fiction looked 100+ years ago. There is not much in the way of development or complexity in the presentation of the major characters. Normally if a character is introduced and said to be good or bad, he or she stays that way for the duration. Julius Caesar is presented as a heroic figure who can do no wrong.

[Yibbie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quite an action story. Fascinating how he looks forward to the 'fullness of time'. Points the way out of paganism's hopelessness through Jesus' sacrifice for sin. Written very well. Annoying, to me anyway, because the main characters are interacting a quite a bit with major historical figures.

[VAN · Rating 2 out of 5]

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