Perspective

The book contains two perspectives, that of the translator and editor, Michael Grant, and that of Cicero's. Grant gives introductions to Cicero's writings at the beginning of each chapter and at the beginning of nearly all of Cicero's letters in Chapter 2. He also includes an extended introduction to all of Cicero's works, placing the works in their historical context, commenting on their main themes and forthrightly admitting difficulties in translation.

The core perspective of the book, however, is Cicero's. Each chapter is written at a different period of Cicero's life and so his perspective changes. Against Verres was given when Cicero was a young man eager to improve his reputation as a lawyer and orator. His perspective is one of urgent, sharp and articulate condemnation of a well-known tyrant and criminal. His letters give many distinct perspectives on then current events but all of them express a strong...