The Conquest of Gaul (Penguin Classics)

One of the few primary sources written by a general contemporarily to their campaign. Essential for understanding the war in Gaul, the first invasions of Britain and the set-up to the later Civil war. Translation is brilliant, very digestible and still stays true to the essence of the original Latin.

Just to have a first hand account from a time so long ago, and written by a man who is still famous, is already impressive. This is a classic of history, both in style and content, and this is an excellent translation. Accepting that Julius Caesar was an ambitious politician as well as an excellent General, he gives a concise and lucid account of the events in Gaul, in which he was a central figure. It is still a good read, and would withstand many more re-reads.

I had no idea that this account of historical events would be so fascinating. It's well worth reading.However, I'm reading a British Penguin Classics edition from the 1980s or maybe 90s(bought second hand) and I'm astonished that it was published with such a poor, and rather vague map inside. Where are the maps of the tribes? The Roman march routes? The battle locations? This could and should have been spotted and rectified before publication. You may want to try and find a publication with maps inside, or, I promise you, you will be searching online where, incidentally, there are some very good maps these days, but of course those didn't exist in the 1980s when this edition was published.

I am not going to review Caesar, though I might praise him, rather the quality of the books I ordered together with the service. Both were better than those of other suppliers. The book itself was first class and the delivery left nothing to criticise. As my landlady will confirm, I am a confirmed print addict, being convinced that a stray EMP will one day take out our gadgets! Seriously when I am writing I need to have several open at once, when not I am constantly researching and need to lay my hands on information sans Google. Amazon, and their affiliates fulfil everything I need.

Caesar's conquest of Gaul makes for difficult reading as the Romans ransacked and massacred all who opposed them. Tens of thousands of Gauls died in various pitched battles in their efforts to retain their freedom and avoid slavery and subjection. Caesar was a remarkable man but made a ruthless enemy.

One of the most readable books I have purchased this year, full of interesting anecdotes and clever military analysis. Brilliant translation, really useful for gaining an understanding of Caesar's greatness and obvious personal bias, it should be recommended reading for humans generally.

I have been meaning to read this book for years, and now that I have I wish I didn't read it so fast. It's fascinating how the tribes relentlessly rebelled against the Romans whenever caeser was away.I would have paid a lot more for this book if I had too.

Ceasers Conquest of Gaul is a readable account of the early years of the French Tribes struggle with the armies of the Roman conquest. Has maps of some of the major battles that are easily understood and clarified. A very good book for the general background of his attacks. That a reader of historic fiction would find useful in understanding this complex period as it is a translation from the original.