Julius Caesar (The importance of)

School Library Journal

Gr 8 UpNardo's biography catches the essence of the man and his times. Caesar, in presiding over the death of the Roman Republic, was at times brutal and savage, at other times magnanimous to his enemies. A brilliant and charismatic leader, he bound his troops to him with the kind of loyalty that transcended their allegiance to Rome. He effectively used this military power to circumvent the Senate, crush his enemies, and, ultimately, become dictator for life. This is a complex and convoluted history, containing descriptions of many battles, devious political maneuvering, and shifting alliances, such as Caesar's liaison with Cleopatra. Nardo tells the story with excellent pacing and attention to detail and doesn't shy away from offering a controversial judgment. Clear, black-and-white illustrations and a comprehensive index complement the text.David N. Pauli, Missoula Public Library, MT