3 Review(s)

In The Life of Cicero, Volume One, Anthony Trollope provides a meticulous examination of Cicero’s early life and his ascent as one of Rome's greatest orators and statesmen. Trollope traces Cicero’s education, his passion for philosophy and rhetoric, and his journey from humble origins to the heights of Roman politics. The biography details Cicero’s rise through the political ranks, highlighting his early legal triumphs and his skill in navigating the complex power dynamics of the Roman Republic.This first volume sheds light on Cicero's initial major successes, such as his prosecution of Gaius Verres, a corrupt governor of Sicily, and his consulship, during which he famously foiled the Catiline Conspiracy. Trollope emphasizes Cicero’s staunch commitment to the Roman Republic and his dedication to republican ideals, which often set him at odds with other powerful figures, including Julius Caesar and Pompey.