Preface

When the idea of editing a Companion to Julius Caesar was first mentioned to me some years ago, I asked myself whether or not there was a need for such a book. A little reflection showed me that there was. No recent volume had treated Julius Caesar in the round, first examining him in his historical context as politician, conqueror, writer and intellectual, then treating his writings and the work of his continuators, and finally describing his subsequent reputation, first at Rome and then in European history. All of these areas were being written about, but there was as yet nothing to accommodate a reader, who, given the growing interest in reception, might wish to study Caesar’s Nachleben, while having to hand the ancient ingredients that went into the mix.1

The intention has been to produce a book that, through a series of chapters written by contributors distinguished in their own very diverse areas, would attempt to do justice to Caesar’s double reputation as conqueror and author, as well as to the importance of his actions and words to the thinkers and leaders of most subsequent periods of history.

The contributors have all approached the project with enthusiasm, as was demonstrated at a meeting in July 2006 of those that could attend. Many came from overseas, and the philosophy of the volume and the division of labour were discussed. Even more important was the process of collaboration between contributors that began there and has continued. We were all grateful for the support, financial and otherwise, that was offered for that meeting by Blackwell, by Somerville College, and by the Jowett Copyright Trustees of Balliol College, Oxford.

The editor of the series Al Bertrand, who was present at the meeting to answer questions, has been encouraging and helpful throughout, showing considerable flexibility when faced with a rather self-willed editor. Barbara Duke, who handled the illustrations and other practical matters, has worked with great speed and good will as has Glynis Baguley, who edited the copy. The contributors have demonstrated persistent good humour and efficiency in responding to corrections and comments. I owe debts of gratitude to my husband Jasper, who translated Paul Zanker’s German, to Martin McLaughlin, who saved me from several misinterpretations in the translation of Luciano Canfora’s Italian, and to Julia Griffin, who gave welcome assistance with the meeting and with the preparation of the material for publication.