Book Review: Julius Caesar by Gary Jeffrey et al.

Julius Caesar: The Life of a Roman General by Gary Jeffrey and Kate Petty, illustrated by Sam Hadley

This graphic nonfiction tells the biography of Julius Caesar, the Roman nobleman who became supreme ruler through a mixture of political and military successes. The book gives a good overview of the Roman world and the organization of the Roman Republic before diving into the life story of Julius Caesar. All the highlights are hit--his triumvirate with Pompey and Crassus, the military campaign in Gaul, his dealings with Cleopatra, his assassination.

The drawings are good and not too graphic, since this is clearly intended for children in the seven- to ten-year old range. The battle scenes are not detailed and usually passed over quickly to continue the story. A glossary and further reading recommendations are provided.

Sample Text: Proof that this book was written in Britain by Brits for the education of their children...

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