First published 1977
Marcus Tullius Cicero stands before the Roman Senate, his voice cutting through the political chaos that threatens to destroy the Republic. As an outsider who clawed his way into the aristocratic circles of power, Cicero wields oratory as his weapon against the corruption consuming Rome. He exposes the Catiline conspiracy that would have burned the city to ash. He defends the Greek poet Archias against those who would strip away his citizenship. He faces down Mark Antony with speeches so fierce they seal his own fate. From the Assembly to the courtrooms, Cicero fights for liberty with words that echo through the marble halls of power. But in a world where political enemies become mortal enemies, even the greatest speaker must face the price of standing against tyranny. His final speeches against Antony will cost him everything, yet his voice refuses to be silenced.
Genres: biography, historical-fiction, ancient-history, academic
Vibes: suspenseful, thought-provoking
Tropes: enemies-to-lovers, unreliable-narrator
Setting: Roman Senate, Rome
Period: Ancient Rome
336 pages · Paperback · Penguin Classics