De Re Publica: Selections

by Marcus Tullius Cicero, James E. G. Zetzel (Editor)

This edition contains the Latin text of most of the surviving parts of Cicero's most elaborate philosophical dialogue, De re publica, together with a full commentary explaining the philosophical and historical argument, and elucidating the grammar and style. De re publica is a major document in the history of European political theory, and a masterpiece of Ciceronian style. This is the fullest commentary ever to appear in English.

Genres: Classics

268 pages, Paperback

Published May 26, 1995

About the author

Born 3 January 106 BC, Arpinum, Italy
Died 7 December 43 BC (aged 63), Formia, Italy

Marcus Tullius Cicero was a Roman philosopher, statesman, lawyer, political theorist, and Roman constitutionalist. Cicero is widely considered one of Rome's greatest orators and prose stylists.

Alternate profiles:
Cicéron
Marco Tullio Cicerone
Cicerone

Note: All editions should have Marcus Tullius Cicero as primary author. Editions with another name on the cover should have that name added as secondary author.

Reviews

[Jaycob Izso · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an oddly useful book for those interested in Cicero's work and - particularly - his verbiage and prose. The book is disappointing only insofar as it does not include the smattering of sections from the later sections. Readers will want some familiarity with Roman Latin and philosophy going in as it will mesh comfortably with Zetzel's comments. Cicero is playful in his criticisms and his use of 'otium' relative to public life and the Epicureans immediately provides the reader with the complexity of his argument and its target. By Book II Cicero's poetic style and wordplay is on full display (see Zetzel's notes for Book II 6.3 and 8.2 for interesting examples). Overall, the commentary provided is deeply insightful and valuable to readers of Cicero, and I imagine that value and insight could be extended to the classroom or the ruminations of the Latin hobbyist with little difficulty.

[Phil · Rating 4 out of 5]

Edited by James E.G. Zetzel