Well-known as a brilliant general and politician, Julius Caesar also played a fundamental role in the formation of the Latin literary language and remains a central figure in the history of Latin literature. With twenty-three chapters written by renowned scholars, this Companion provides an accessible introduction to Caesar as an intellectual along with a scholarly assessment of his multiple literary accomplishments and new insights into their literary value. The Commentarii and Caesar's lost works are presented in their historical and literary context. The various chapters explore their main features, the connection between literature, state religion and politics, Caesar's debt to previous Greek and Latin authors, and his legacy within and outside of Latin literature. The innovative volume will be of great value to all students and scholars of Latin literature and to those seeking a more rounded portrait of the achievements of Julius Caesar.

'In sum, this volume serves its purpose commendably: it presents a range of possibilities for approaching Caesar’s historical works as literary texts rather than merely as sources of evidence; it engages with Caesar as a literary figure beyond his historical writing with a battery of strong pieces on his fragmentary works; and it situates Caesar and his literary works in the context of the extended Greco-Roman and European tradition. In these ways, this collection succeeds in demonstrating how the 'historiographic turn', which reached Caesar’s writings relatively late, has now rehabilitated him as a literary artificer.'

Source: Bryn Mawr Classical Review

'Although his contemporaries judged him an excellent orator and writer, Caesar has traditionally received more scholarly attention for what he did than for what he wrote. This book remedies that neglect. Grillo and Krebs have gathered a top-notch group of experts to examine an impressive range of topics connected to the writings of Caesar. The contributions are uniformly informative and well written, and the editors have performed a difficult job with enviable efficiency and acumen. In fewer than 350 pages they give readers much detailed information, judiciously presented and up-to-date with current scholarship, that anyone interested in Caesar will want to read.'

Source: Choice