M. Tullius Cicero was a Roman philosopher, politician, lawyer, orator, and political theorist. His life coincided with the decline and fall of the Roman Republic. Given his status, he played a significant role in the events of his time. In addition to his famous speeches and his works of rhetoric and philosophy, Cicero was also a prodigious letter writer. Today, his hundreds of surviving letters offer a vivid portrait of Roman politics and culture, as well as Cicero’s personal perspectives.
This collection encompasses Cicero’s correspondence with his family, friends, and acquaintances, spanning from the peak of his political career to the years leading up to his death. The letters provide an authentic portrait of Cicero, reflecting both his private and public life. Much of his correspondence was written in the moment—the writing style casual and the content personal. Other letters, addressed to public figures, exhibit Cicero’s rhetorical prowess. The Letters of Cicero provides a window into the life of one of Rome’s greatest orators, as well as a significant period in history.