The authors have a straightforward, concise writing style that makes this biography an easy and interesting read. Although not a fan of Cato, I appreciated the opportunity to see developments at the end of the republic from his perspective.

To the authors credit, they generally made an attempt to present an objective analysis as opposed to simply praising Cato. One minor complaint is the authors failure to cite evidence of atrocities committed by the Optimates against the armies of Caesar. To some extent, Cato should share responsibility given his role as the alleged protector of all Republican rights. This evidence further demonstrates a more complicated and realistic view of Cato the man and not the legend.

Nonetheless, a worthwhile read. ( )

Fascinating biography of Cato the Younger, overlooked in our days but such a great influence on history, especially that of the U.S. No, he was not a "democrat" [not the political party but the general idea] as we understand it, but tried to hold on to the idea of "libertas" [freedom] and the Roman Republic, which were slipping away in the civil war between Caesar and Pompey, autocrats both. Rather than live under Caesar, in Utica on the African coast, he kills himself, a gruesome drawn-out death as described by Plutarch. A nugget of information I found that I had not known before--every American schoolchild knows the stirring words of Patrick Henry and Nathan Hale. No, they were not original with these men, but cribbed from Addison's Cato, a play VERY popular in the 18th century, with the theme of "death in defense of liberty". Also, the "unalienable rights" section from this play influenced the Declaration of Independence. So, who was Cato? This readable biography gives us the portrait of a stubborn man holding to his Stoic ideals, his probity and his principles, whether they agree with others' or not. All sides of the man are given, so we can reflect on him, the lessons his life teaches, and his importance through the ages.

This quotation from Lucan describes him perfectly: "Victrix causa diis placuit sed victa Catoni" [The victorious cause was dear to the gods, the lost cause to Cato.]

Highly recommended. ( )