Brutus & Orator

The history and theory of Roman oratory are magnificently brought to life in a timeless and dynamic style in Cicero’s masterpiece. Tracing the evolution of political and judicial speech over 150 years, Cicero studies 200 speakers from the early second century to 46 BCE and delivers his expert verdict on each. The Romans regarded oratory as an art form, and Cicero turned his highly experienced and critical eye on great speakers from history and the speeches they are remembered for. Written during the time of Julius Caesar, Cicero dedicates the work to his young friend, Brutus, whilst celebrating what made Roman oratory great and lamenting its decline.

The reader learns that Cicero believes that the style of oratory he most admires has never been achieved by others or himself. Yet through the pursuit of the ideal of perfect oratory, Cicero wrote a book that vibrates with all that is possible, noble, sublime, elusive, and beautifully exquisite about both the written and spoken word. For years, Cicero’s labor of love has made the wit and wonder of oratory accessible to each new generation looking to discover the true power of words and their influence on the world.