Orations Of Cicero (The Scott Library)
Edited With An Introduction by Fred W. Norris
Published by Walter Scott Ltd: London c1910 (undated)
"Marcus Tullius Cicero (3 January 106 BC - 7 December 43 BC) was a Roman statesman, lawyer, scholar, philosopher, writer and Academic skeptic, who tried to uphold optimate principles during the political crises that led to the establishment of the Roman Empire. His extensive writings include treatises on rhetoric, philosophy and politics. He is considered one of Rome's greatest orators and prose stylists and the innovator of what became known as "Ciceronian rhetoric". Cicero was educated in Rome and in Greece. He came from a wealthy municipal family of the Roman equestrian order, and served as consul in 63 BC.
Orations of Cicero, edited with an introduction by Fred W. Norris and published by Walter Scott Ltd in London, presents a curated selection of the most notable speeches of Marcus Tullius Cicero, one of ancient Rome's greatest orators, statesmen, and writers. The editor provides a scholarly introduction that situates Cicero's works within the political turbulence of the late Roman Republic, highlighting the rhetorical skill, persuasive strategies, and moral arguments that cemented his reputation. The volume offers both the original Latin texts and accessible commentary, enabling readers to appreciate the elegance of Cicero's language alongside the historical contexts that shaped each speech.
The collection underscores Cicero's role not only as a master of eloquence but also as a defender of republican principles against tyranny and corruption. Through addresses such as the Catilinarian Orations and speeches on behalf of clients in the law courts, the book reveals the intertwining of rhetoric, politics, and personal courage in Cicero's career. Norris's editorial notes illuminate Cicero's influence on Western political thought and the enduring value of his methods in argumentation and public persuasion. For modern readers, the work serves as both a historical document and a timeless study in the art of persuasive speech.
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