A masterful biography of Caius Julius Caesar, one of history's most famous military men, and the driving force behind the collapse of the Roman Republic. Caesar's legacy is such that he continues to provoke strong reactions amongst historians today, much as he did amongst his contempories. In his trademark readable style, Adrian Goldsworthy tackles the vast subject of Caesar's life, death, and all the bits in between. While emphasis is placed on the military career of this great general (this is, after all, Goldsworthy's speciality), the book also seeks to concentrate on his personal relationships, his development as a politician, and his unrivalled commentaries on his military campaigns. This is all set in the social and political context of the Mediterranean world in which Caesar lived, and ultimately influenced so profoundly. A big book, but a very enjoyable one.