Sallust

The Conspiracy of Catiline and the War of Jugurtha

De: Quintus Curtius - translator, Sallust

Narrado por: Saethon Williams

This new and original translation of Sallust’s Conspiracy of Catiline and War of Jugurtha uses a fresh, modern English idiom that preserves the flavor of the historian’s famous epigrammatic style. Fully outfitted for comprehension and efficient referencing, this special edition contains the following features:

• Extended introduction describing the political and military systems of the Roman republic

Considered the first of the great Roman historians, Sallust has been read for centuries for his penetrating character studies, timeless moral insights, and matchless rhetoric. His profiles of flawed men led inexorably to ruin by excessive ambition or character defects resonate with us today more powerfully than ever.

Intrigue…murder…the lust for power…and the fatal hubris that leads men to their dooms. These are some of the historian’s gripping themes.

Deeply concerned with the moral decay and corruption he saw around him, Sallust’s pragmatic views of historical forces, personalities, and the psychology of power were aided by his own direct participation in the highest levels of Roman politics.

The Conspiracy of Catiline tells the dramatic story of renegade senator Lucius Catiline’s attempt to seize power in Rome during the waning days of the republic. The War of Jugurtha recounts the rise and ultimate destruction of the headstrong Numidian king Jugurtha, who waged an insurgent war against Rome from 112 to 106 B.C.

©2017 Quintus Curtius (P)2018 Quintus Curtius

A pleasure to listen to.

This translation is an exciting history that demands your attention.

These two histories have parallels to modern times.

Wise and Thoughtful

Excellent listen for anyone with a broad interest in the Roman Republic, Western history, or Ancient Rome. Sallust & Marius have quickly become some of my favorite Roman characters. My interest is piqued when I hear the narrator, Saethon Williams say "footnote" because you know some good commentary is around the corner. Sallust humble beginnings are relatable to many, and to paraphrase Mr. Curtius, nobody respects moralizing from a goody two shoes. I also appreciate Sallust straight forward style, which makes for a smooth and entertaining listen. As always QC knocks it out of the park. I listened twice in full in about 3 weeks.

Excellent translation

Quintus has done a great service by translating these works into modern english for us.

Pretentious narration

I think this text could be more interesting but the narrator sounds like Jonathan Harris doing a more snobby version of Zachary Smith. I found him dull and tedious, so much so that at times I was unable to follow the story.

As for the translation, I found it nice that many footnotes are included. At a few times the footnotes are a bit demeaning assuming basic meaning was not obvious, but the historical context notes were very helpful.

The history itself is fascinating and I was struck by parallels. When the founding fathers of the United States chose Rome as their model, they seem to have set us on the same path. Will the U.S. will also follow in Rome's fate. Time will tell.