Throughout history, some books have changed the world. They have transformed the way we see ourselves - and each other. They have inspired debate, dissent, war and revolution. They have enlightened, outraged, provoked and comforted. They have enriched lives - and destroyed them. Now Penguin brings you the works of the great thinkers, pioneers, radicals and visionaries whose ideas shook civilization and helped make us who we are. Amongst the most famous and influential of all political polemics, Cicero's scathing speeches against the dictatorial ambitions of Mark Antony are the passionate last testament of the greatest statesman of his age; a final attempt to restore his beloved Republic that was to cost him his life.

Author Biography

Marucs Tullius Cicero (106-43 BC), Roman orator and statesman, was born at Arpinum of a wealthy local family. He enjoyed considerable success as a lawyer and politician and was elected consul in 63 BC. Of his many published speeches the Philippics, fourteen speeches attacking Mark Antony, are perhaps the most celebrated. Cicero was murdered on Antony's orders in 43 BC.