Cicero: The Life and Times of Rome's Greatest Politician

By: Anthony Everitt

Narrated by: John Curless

John Adams said of Cicero, "All ages of the world have not produced a greater statesman and philosopher combined." Voltaire said of Cicero, "He taught us how to think." And yet Anthony Everitt’s authoritative yet accessible work is the first one-volume biography of the Roman statesman in over 25 years.

He squared off against Caesar and was friends with young Brutus. He advised the legendary Pompey on his somewhat botched transition from military hero to politician. He lambasted Mark Antony and was master of the smear campaign, as feared for his wit as he was for exposing his opponents’ sexual peccadilloes. Brilliant, voluble, cranky, a genius of political manipulation but also a true patriot and idealist, Cicero was Rome’s most feared politician, one of the greatest lawyers and statesmen of all times. Machiavelli, Queen Elizabeth, John Adams and Winston Churchill all studied his example. No man has loomed larger in the political history of mankind.

In this dynamic and engaging biography, Anthony Everitt plunges us into the fascinating, scandal-ridden world of ancient Rome in its most glorious heyday. Accessible to us through his legendary speeches but also through an unrivaled collection of unguarded letters to his close friend Atticus, Cicero comes to life here as a witty and cunning political operator.

©2001 Anthony Everitt (P)2014 Recorded Books

Critic reviews

“Using Cicero’s letters to his good friend Atticus, among other sources, Everitt recreates the fascinating world of political intrigue, sexual decadence and civil unrest of Republican Rome… Everitt’s first book is a brilliant study that captures Cicero’s internal struggles and insecurities as well as his external political successes." ( Publishers Weekly)
"Comprehensive, accessible survey of the personal and political life of lawyer, politician, philosopher, and crank Marcus Tullius Cicero… Masterfully lucid and compelling; sure to be required reading in the Cicero canon." ( Kirkus Reviews)

Politics as usual

I enjoyed comparing today's America to Cicero's Rome. My final conclusion was American politicians have it far too easy!

Truly Inspiring

It is so hard to find a historical book that reads like a novel. Engaging and detailed. Cicero's life was extremely interesting and inspiring. Through his eyes we can better understand Rome and, at the same time, get a better understanding of our society, as his ideas and problems remain very applicable.

Enter Rome at the time of Cicero

This book guides us through Cicero’s life as if we were present. The narration is easy and enjoyable to listen to.

Absolutely brilliant.

Exquisite story telling and language. The time and the man comes to life, a must read for every lover of language and history.

Anthony Vieira

Compelling and Historical

I’m so glad I stumbled across this fantastic book!! Anthony Everett did a fantastic job telling Cicero’s biography and filling in gaps for those of us who are history lovers, but not scholars of the times we’re reading about. Really enjoyed it and the actual book is getting read again and will have a special place in my library. Time to read his book on Augustus!