[.ca] Penguin Classics On The Good Life (ISBN 0140442448)

A nice introduction to Cicero (despite Michael Grant):
Having read Aristotle, Plato, Plutarch, et al., I'd unjustly neglected the Romans. This is my first exposure to Cicero and the selection is very interesting. However, one can do without the occasionally insipid philosophizing by Michael Grant. As with many modernist academics he makes clumsy generalizations about the supposed superiority of Cicero's "non-dogmatic" ethics to Christianity (for example, as regards religious violence and bigotry). He seems to forget that religious violence involving Christians began with the pagan persecutions against the new Church. Also, looking at the secularized 20th century, which witnessed the worst killings and atrocities in history, it is hard take Mr. Grant seriously. Those points aside, this is a good book to start with.

"... the best part of a man...":
This review refers to the work, -Cicero: On the Good Life-, translated and with introductions by Michael Grant (Penguin Classics). What is to like about this collection of sections of essays by Cicero? I personally favor very much the excellent introductions by Michael Grant, as well as the excellent thought and expression by Cicero. Be aware that this volume contains parts of whole works. The parts themselves are complete, but if one is looking for the whole work, then one should look to the Harvard/Loeb editions of Cicero. Michael Grant has piloted several Penguin Classics volumes of Cicero parts, so one will have to purchase several volumes in order to get the benefit of Mr. Grant's insights and translations. But those introductions, the main "Introduction" to this volume itself, as well as the "introductions" to each of the selections are excellent. Michael Grant not only gives you the historical and cultural context for Cicero himself, but he also in the main "Introduction" (as he does in other volumes he superintends) gives you the historical and cultural influence which follows after Cicero, the influence of his works on later generations. In this particular volume, Mr. Grant says that he starts first with "indicating how important \othese works\c still are for us today." "For Cicero, through these treatises, has been the greatest of all conservers and trans- mitters of cultural values, the greatest unifying force of Europe, the shaper of its civilized speech." That is tall praise indeed. And, when he gets to the historical influence itself, Mr. Grant is no less emphatic. "One of the very strongest forces contributing to the ideals of the Italian Renaissance, and thus to the whole intellectual, scientific, and social development of western Europe, was Cicero's thought as interpreted by Petrarch (d. 1374)." So, if you have ever scratched your head, and/or your mind, and/or your soul, and wondered just what DOES constitute the good, moral, worthy, excellent life, then Cicero is an invaluable companion to help you quest in search for an answer to that most important of quandaries.

Great works, bad publishing:
The works of cicero hold as much weight now as they did when he wrote it. This book is filled with useful tips on life in general. the only problem I have with it is it leaves out large chunks of work. Cicero's "on duties" book II is here but youd have to read "selected works" to get book III (i dont know where book I is, i presume its lost). If only penguin could have combined his works better. Otherwise dont hesitate to get this book.

A wise choice as a Cicero starter:
Although "On the Good Life" is a hodgepodge of Cicero's essays, there are a few reasons why this book is a must buy. First, these are Cicero's words, some of the best writing to come from ancient Rome. Second, the essays are a great introduction to Cicero's immense collection of essays, speeches, and letters. His literary productive output was vast. Finally, Michael Grant's translation and introduction is of the highest quality. A lot can be said about the selection of the essays - why would Michael Grant pick a Book Five (Discussions at Tusculum) and a Book Two (On Duties) instead of a complete collection of each? Where's the rest of these works? Frankly, it didn't matter to me. Once I began reading "On the Good Life" I was hooked. This book converted me into a lifelong Cicero fan and Grant's translations (through Penguin Classics) are my primary sources for his works. I have five Cicero books from Penguin Classics so far. My favorite essay was "On Friendship." I would recommend it to anyone. It is wise, philosophical, and applicable to everyone even today. The rest of the essays were also fantastic with the exception - my opinion only - of "On the Orator." That I could have done without. It was a little too long and way too dry. I wish Michael Grant had squeezed in some other essay of Cicero's. There are more comprehensive translations of Cicero but "On the Good Life" is a wise choice as a Cicero starter. If you enjoy classic literature and you haven't read Cicero, start here.

"A Good Dose of Practical Philosophy":
The works that comprise Michael Grant's rendition of Cicero's "On the Good Life" are: "The Tusculum Disputations (V)", "On Duties (II)," "On Friendship," On the Orator," and "The Dream of Scipio." These works expound upon the very essence of the highest good--namely the highest morality--and lay down a clear system of practical, applied ethics for the aspiring youth, statesman, orator, or sage. Cicero, furthermore, attempts to use these virtues to the direct benefit of the individual citizen and ultimately to the dignity of the Commonwealth. The sheer stateliness of these treatises will be enough to attract and excite scholars and, in a word, enlighten students seeking to grasp a general view of the works of one of the greatest philosophical popularizers in history, the immortal Marcus Tullius Cicero.