I found this book to be very enlightening about the death of Caesar. The author gives you the background knowledge you need to understand why these men wanted him dead and then the way they went about it. You also get a look into each one of the people that for me I had only heard the names, I had never known what they actually did or did not do in the government or in the military. I was surprised by how many people were threatened by him. The author builds up the story but not as a story but one with letters and facts from the time. You have driven yourself as if you are there feeling the power of these few that want him gone.
The man who you are always led to believe is the tarator is one but just not Brutus like we always think but Decimus, a life long friend. There is also talk of Cleopatra who was also there during that time and would have a say before and after. Interesting though that most did not live very long before they were either killed or committed suicide. I don’t think it had an effect that they were hoping for. The book though does go opposite of Shakespeare and that is another point that the author was trying to make. He was just making a play, not fact. A good book.

Shakespeare has given the world the most enduring portrayal of the assassination of Julius Caesar, but Strauss provides us with a more complex and accessible modern discussion of the pivotal historical event. He breathes life into the ancient world through his exploration. Recommended.

The death of Caesar is an interesting overview of the most famous assassination in history. The book is excellent for the general reader and gives a good background of the period.