On the Republic. On the Laws

Zetzel provides us with the Latin text of a significant portion of Cicero's partially preserved dialogue on the nature and the forms of government. His (Zetzel's) commentary, by far the bulk of this book, guides any Latin reader through Cicero's text and philosophy without giving away too much in translation. The niceties of the grammar are generally overlooked for comments on Cicero's style and political ideas. This would not make an ideal textbook, but a careful instructor can find much to illustate Cicero's Stoic approach to the ideal state. In particular, Zetzel provides us with the Dream of Scipio- a very manageable Latin text from a student's perspective, but also loaded with pre-Christian ideas of the afterlife and the proper exercise of virtue. I ordered this book for the latter reason, but found myself drawn into reading the entire selection without regret. For that specialized audience of Latin readers who are interested in the Stoics, Cicero, and Roman political theory, this is a good bet.

Great read, wonderful translation!!

Great collection of classics

There should be a statement to explain that this book is a small "mini" book and not an ordinary sized book that would be placed on a bookshelf. Paying $30 for a very small 6.5"x 4.5" "mini" book with slight damage to the book cover is not worth it. The description of the book should plainly state its inordinately small size and that the book cover has slight damage. Surprisingly, the book sent had a noticeable surprisingly level of damage on the outside paper book cover, making the book appear used and at best in "good" or "very good" condition, definitely not "new." The quality of this shipment is very disappointing.

Awesome book and small and easy to handle!

The text in this book is printed poorly. As you can see in the picture, the letters are not clearly defined. Many letters are "broken."

The size is very small. Dodnt realize when i bought it.

Are this texts in Latin with English translation?

コメンタリー(解説)に多くのページが割かれている割には、文法の説明があまりないので独習用には全く不適です。読みやすさより持ち運び重視の方には良いでしょうが、それならキンドル化してほしいところ。