Matthias Gelzer (1886–1974)

at times sounds a little bit like the catalogue of a library, but it is interesting to see how the seeds of some typical issues within the Italian political habits are actually 2,000+ years old

at the same time, the "tribal" element of politics managed by circles of influence/access is really what the demise of political parties and the increase of individuals' visibility brought to the XXI century

it is a paradox: but this old book (1965, my birth year) is more modern than many recent books written by political analysts who are still writing as the political parties of the Cold War and their bureaucracies were the rule of the day… (más)

998 Caesar: Politician and Statesman, by Matthias Gelzer translated from the German by Peter Needham (read 16 Feb 1969) After I read this book and Major-General J.F.C. Fuller's book on Caesar I said: It is amazing to me how little I actually knew of such a famed man as Caesar. His career was known to me in no sort of order. Now it is clear: consul, pacifier of Gaul, invader of Britain, suppresser of the Gallic Revolt led by Vercingetorix, crossing the Rubicon, his victories in Spain, his defeat of Pompey in Pharsalis in Greece, his following Pompey to Egypt, his Cleopatra phase, his 'veni, vidi, vici' in Asia Minor, his conclusion of the Civil War by victory in Africa over Cato, his victories again in Spain, his short time as dictator in Rome, his assassination on March 15, 44 B.C. An amazing life!… (más)