How to Stop a Conspiracy
Book description
An energetic new translation of an ancient Roman masterpiece about a failed coup led by a corrupt and charismatic politician
In 63 BC, frustrated by his failure to be elected leader of the Roman Republic, the aristocrat Catiline tried to topple its elected government. Backed by corrupt elites and poor,…
Why read it?
1 author picked How to Stop a Conspiracy as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?
Osgood details the ancient version of a phenomenon we may recognize: a cold-blooded grift by a charismatic, lawless, leader transmuted into terrorism while posing as patriotism.
Detailing the violent conspiracy of L. Sergius Catilina (63 BCE), Osgood’s elegant translation of Sallust’s The War Against Catiline (c. 43 BCE) emphasizes the danger that political violence and intimidation pose to communal welfare and stability. The Romans never found the recipe for combining individual freedom with equality and political harmony. (Rome’s 450-year-old Republic ultimately devolved into civil war and autocracy.)
Sallust’s tale and Rome’s experience caution us against preserving inequities even as we…
From Emily's list on why Ancient Greece and Rome matter today.
Want books like How to Stop a Conspiracy?
Our community of 11,000+ authors has personally recommended 100 books like How to Stop a Conspiracy.
Browse books like How to Stop a Conspiracy
5 book lists we think you will like!
Interested in Rome, Ancient Greece, and the Roman Republic?
11,000+ authors have recommended their favorite books and what they love about them. Browse their picks for the best books about Rome, Ancient Greece, and the Roman Republic.