This engaging read presents a student-friendly overview of the life and accomplishments of Julius Caesar with special emphasis on his family background and early life. The biography is based not only on the traditional sources-Suetonius and Plutarch-but also on the private correspondence and observation of Caesar's contemporaries-both his friends and his enemies. Based on these sources, the book demonstrates that Caesar was a very determined individual who developed and largely managed to execute a series of original responses to the unique situations of his times. Julius Caesar: Master of Surprise is a must-have title for all high school Latin programs.

Special Features

• Map of Caesar's World
  
• Plan of the Battle with the Nervii
  
• Black and white illustrations that provide visual context
  
• Discussion questions for each of the five chapters
  
• Glossary of special (e.g., Latin) terms and key Romans of Caesar's day
  
• List of ancient sources and bibliography
  
• Caesar's Family Tree
  
• Appendix on Shakespeare's Julius Caesar including an analysis of its ancient sources