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  • The Twelve Caesars
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The Twelve Caesars Paperback – Illustrated, Dec 18 2007

by Suetonius (Author), James Rives (Editor, Introduction), Robert Graves (Translator)
4.6 out of 5 stars 1,346 ratings
4.0 on Goodreads
22,197 ratings

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An essential primary source on Roman history anda fascinating achievement of scholarship covering a critical period in the Empire

As private secretary to the Emperor Hadrian, the scholar Suetonius had access to the imperial archives and used them (along with eyewitness accounts) to produce one of the most colourful biographical works in history. The Twelve Caesars chronicles the public careers and private lives of the men who wielded absolute power over Rome, from the foundation of the empire under Julius Caesar and Augustus, to the decline into depravity and civil war under Nero and the recovery that came with his successors. A masterpiece of observation, anecdote and detailed physical description, The Twelve Caesars presents us with a gallery of vividly drawn—and all too human—individuals.

James B. Rives has sensitively updated Robert Graves's now classic translation, reinstating Latin terms and updating vocabulary while retaining the liveliness of the original. This edition contains a new chronology, further reading, glossaries, maps, notes and an introduction discussing Suetonius' life and works.

For more than seventy years, Penguin has been the leading publisher of classic literature in the English-speaking world. With more than 1,700titles, Penguin Classics represents a global bookshelf of the best works throughout history and across genres and disciplines. Readers trust theseries to provide authoritative texts enhanced by introductions and notes by distinguished scholars and contemporary authors, as well as up-to-datetranslations by award-winning translators.
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  1. Print length
    464 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    Penguin Classics
  4. Publication date
    Dec 18 2007
  5. Dimensions
    12.95 x 2.03 x 19.81 cm
  6. ISBN-10
    9780140455168
  7. ISBN-13
    978-0140455168
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From the Publisher

1

About Us

Penguin Canada is the proud publisher of great writers, gifted storytellers, beloved books and eminent works that cross borders and boundaries. There’s a book on our shelves for every reader, and we relish the opportunity to publish across every category and interest with the utmost care and enthusiasm. Penguin Canada’s imprints and publishing programs include Viking, Hamish Hamilton, Allen Lane, Penguin, and Penguin Lifestyle.

Product description

About the Author

Gaius Suetonius Tranquillus was probably born in AD69—the famous "year of the four Emperors." From the letters of Suetonius’ close friend Pliny the Younger we learn that he practiced briefly at the bar, avoided political life, and became chief secretary to the Emperor Hadrian (AD117-38). Suetonius seems to have lived to a good age and probably died around the year AD140.

James Rives teaches in the area of Classical Studies at Stanford University. He is currently serving as Review Editor for Phoenix, Journal of the Classical Association of Canada.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ 0140455167
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Penguin Classics
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ Dec 18 2007
  • Edition ‏ : ‎ Illustrated
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 464 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 9780140455168
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0140455168
  • Item weight ‏ : ‎ 339 g
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 12.95 x 2.03 x 19.81 cm
  • 鶹 Rank: #132,882 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.6 out of 5 stars 1,346 ratings

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Suetonius

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4.6 out of 5 stars
1,346 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book incredible, incredible, and good for any Classicist. They also appreciate the historical perspective, saying it provides a great view on historical events from an ancient historian. Readers also mention the book has some very interesting insight into the reign of these immortal men.

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ReadabilityHistorical perspective
10 customers mention "Readability"9 positive1 negative

Customers find the book attraction, incredible, and good reading on the 12 Ceasars. They say it's fascinating, detailed insight into the lives and behaviors. Readers also mention it's interesting in a peculiar style and great for whoever likes Roman history and wants to get a sense of the reigns.

"Everything you wanted to know about the first twelve Caesars. A good read for those interested in ancient Roman history." Read more

"...This is the attraction of the book, realizing just human these people really were...." Read more

"Incredible read, and has some very interesting insight into the reign of these immortal men" Read more

"easy to read and follow; very informative" Read more

3 customers mention "Historical perspective"3 positive0 negative

Customers find the book to be a great view on historical events from an ancient historian. They say it provides interesting and detailed insight into the lives and behaviors of the emperors.

"Incredible read, and has some very interesting insight into the reign of these immortal men" Read more

"This is a fascinating, detailed insight into the lives and behaviors of the emperors, "The Twelve Caesars"...." Read more

"Great view on historical events from an ancient historian." Read more

Top reviews from Canada

  • Kalyna
    5.0 out of 5 stars quality of item
    Reviewed in Canada on April 16, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    book in excellent condition
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  • Patrick Sullivan
    5.0 out of 5 stars The Emperors Private Lives
    Reviewed in Canada on October 8, 2014
    Verified Purchase
    Suetonius walks us through, the personal lives of twelve Roman Emperors. The history Suetonius describes, is not a listing of accomplishments and historical feats. This is a history of the Caesars day to day peronal experiences.

    In fact, this is normally the type of information I avoid. Our modern society, provides us with a constant overload of celebrity gossip and scandals. In most cases, I could care less. Yet Suetonius manages to; almost bring people from two thousands years ago, back to life. We sometimes forget, that these historical figures; walked, talked, and had the same human follies, that we have. This is the attraction of the book, realizing just human these people really were.

    The chapters on Nero and Caligula, can at times be difficult to get digest. We have all heard, at least a few stories regarding their sick behaviour. Well Suetonius provides, a rather long list of inhuman murders and debauchery. The lessons regarding absolute power, become obvious to the reader. Suetonius also outlines, all the silly superstitions that the Romans observed and practiced. The modern reader will have a few chuckles, at all the good and bad omens listed throughout the book.

    I believe most readers, will enjoy reading this book.
    11 people found this helpful
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  • 12333
    4.0 out of 5 stars Good.
    Reviewed in Canada on June 26, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    Incredible read, and has some very interesting insight into the reign of these immortal men
    Helpful
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  • Hilda
    5.0 out of 5 stars Well written
    Reviewed in Canada on October 11, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    easy to read and follow; very informative
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  • Sam
    5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent hard copy
    Reviewed in Canada on May 5, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    Nice hard copy to have in your library. Fair price.
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  • Lynsay
    5.0 out of 5 stars Fascinating
    Reviewed in Canada on February 4, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    This is a fascinating, detailed insight into the lives and behaviors of the emperors, "The Twelve Caesars". I could not put the book down,
    and yet it is upsetting on another level because the brutality and depravity with which they reined was incredible. I cannot imagine living
    in those times, under their rule.
    2 people found this helpful
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  • Canadian Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars A good read for those interested in ancient Roman history
    Reviewed in Canada on October 5, 2016
    Verified Purchase
    Everything you wanted to know about the first twelve Caesars. A good read for those interested in ancient Roman history.
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  • Bob
    4.0 out of 5 stars Interesting book in a peculiar style
    Reviewed in Canada on September 12, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    Suetonius has a very distinct style of writing that takes some getting used to. Other then that, great book for whoever likes Roman history and wants to get a sense of the reigns of these ceasars and culture and customs in those times
    One person found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

  • Mohan
    5.0 out of 5 stars Gaius Julius Caesar: whose doings gave a word of caution to further rule the Roman empire
    Reviewed in India on March 30, 2017
    Verified Purchase
    A well versed a/c on life style of twelve emperors (Caesars) of Roman empire; be it accession; vice-virtue; superstition-omen; cruelty... etc; stated with needed citations and glossary of the then province. A further understanding on this regard can be elicited thru Ancient Rome written by Simon Baker. Go for it.
    Thanks to 鶹!
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  • Sevada Ghazaryan
    1.0 out of 5 stars Very small font size
    Reviewed in Spain on April 7, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    The book itself seems good but the font size and text formatting is horrible - no way to read relaxed. Since font is super small your eyes become exhausted quickly. Gonna return no way to read till the end
    Report
  • Liz Coffman
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great condition
    Reviewed in Germany on November 6, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    Arrived on time in great condition. Good value.
    Report
  • 鶹 Customer
    3.0 out of 5 stars book in poor condition
    Reviewed in Saudi Arabia on December 27, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    There were dents and a tear on the book cover
    Report
  • reader 451
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great account
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on November 25, 2014
    Verified Purchase
    Suetonius' Twelve Caesars is a key narrative source for the period it covers and, unlike Tacitus, it has survived entire and is uninterrupted. Beginning with Caesar himself, in the mid first century BC, it ends in AD 96 with Domitian and covers the reigns of such emperors as Tiberius, Caligula, and Nero. Organised according to each of these twelve emperors' lives, it contains more or less self-contained if unequal chapters (long reigns are given more space). Thus the story progresses from the civil wars that surrounded Caesar's rise to power, the establishment of the principate under Augustus, and on to the more debauched reigns of their descendents in the early first century AD. It closes with the establishment of a new dynasty, the Flavians, represented by Vespasian, Titus, and Domitian.

    The introduction appositely remarks that Suetonius was following, in this work, the classical format of eulogy or biography, rather than history, according to classical forms. As a result, each reign is organised topically, beginning with ancestry, going on to civic achievements, then military campaigns, then the given emperor's vices or crimes, and the manner of his death complete with warnings and omens. This means that a reader completely unacquainted with the period may find the overarching story hard to follow, and it is best to be armed with basic knowledge of it. At the same time, firstly, Suetonius does follow a loose chronological progression within each topic he addresses and within each life, and secondly his writing is really clear and easy to follow. Suetonius as historian was impressive, moreover: in addition to testimonies and oral sources, he examined written sources including letters written by the protagonists, e.g. Augustus, and official Roman records, e.g. the treasury's. This is exceptional, indeed to my knowledge unprecedented, for a classical writer. Though sometimes his sources appear to fail him, this is rare and his account is authoritative. Twelve Caesars, in addition to being easy to read, is an essential source on the early Roman Empire.
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