Synopses & Reviews
The figure of Julius Caesar has loomed large in the United States since its very beginning, admired and evoked as a gateway to knowledge of politics, war, and even national life. In this lively and perceptive book, the first to examine Caesar's place in modern American culture, Maria Wyke investigates how his use has intensified in periods of political crisis, when the occurrence of assassination, war, dictatorship, totalitarianism or empire appears to give him fresh relevance. Her fascinating discussion shows howand#151;from the Latin classroom to the Shakespearean stage, from cinema, television and the comic book to the internetand#151;Caesar is mobilized in the U.S. as a resource for acculturation into the American present, as a prediction of Americaand#8217;s future, or as a mode of commercial profit and great entertainment.
Review
and#8220;Impressively demonstrates Caesar's varying significance. . . . and#8216;Caesar in the U.S.A.and#8217; takes the reader for a long-distance cross-country joy ride.and#8221;
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and#8220;and#8216;Caesar in the U.S.A.and#8217; exposes the complex legacy of ancient Rome to the American republic.and#8221;
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“A clear narrative. . . . Caesars evolving image influenced US political culture in ways that Wyke illustrates. . . . Highly recommended.” Glen Bowersock - Times Literary Supplement (TLS)
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and#8220;A clear narrative. . . . Caesarand#8217;s evolving image influenced US political culture in ways that Wyke illustrates. . . . Highly recommended.and#8221;
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"Elegantly written."
Synopsis
Maria Wyke's Caesar in the USA is the first comprehensive account of the Roman warrior and dictator's profound impact on the history of the United States, both as an author whose works were studied widely in American schools and as a perpetual national villain charged with having overthrown the world's most celebrated republic, the chief model for the United States Constitution. Concise, lucid, solidly researched, and often fascinating, this book is a tremendous achievement.and#151;Carl J. Richard, author of Why We're All Romans: The Roman Contribution to the Western World
About the Author
Maria Wyke is Professor of Latin at University College London.
Table of Contents
List of Illustrations
Acknowledgments
Introduction
Part I. Education
1. Maturation
2. Americanization
3. Militarism
Part II. Political Culture
4. Dictatorship
5. Totalitarianism
6. Presidential Power
7. Empire
References
Index