The Life of M. Tullius Cicero.

A later edition of this biography of the Roman statesman Cicero (d. AD 43) by Conyers Middleton (1683-1750), first published in 1741.

'Throughout the body of his narrative Middleton portrayed Cicero "as a great Magistrate and Statesman, administering the affairs and directing the counsils [sic] of a mighty empire", and readers at the end of Walpole's long service in the government would readily see the historical parallel. As testimony to Cicero's political skill Middleton emphasized the Roman consul's deft manoeuvring to force Catiline into open rebellion against the state rather than play into the hands of "the whole faction [who] were prepared to raise a general clamour against him, by representing his administration as a Tyranny, and the plot as a forgery contrived to support it". Equally praiseworthy in Middleton's view was Cicero's determination to stay independent of the powerful triumvirate formed by Crassus, Pompey, and Caesar. Cicero was particularly suspicious of Caesar's ambition to wrest total control of the republic. Though allowing for Cicero's depression and irresolute behaviour when events came to the crisis that forced him into exile Middleton stressed that it was on the advice of Cato and Hortensius that he fled Rome' (ODNB).

2 vols; 8vo (21.5 x 14 cm); engraved frontispiece to vol. I, bookplates to front pastedowns, title and frontispiece toned, otherwise text block crisp and clean, hinges reinforced at endpapers; contemporary tan calf, covers ruled in gilt and blind, rebacked, contrasting green morocco lettering-pieces to spines, marbled edges, light wear, very good; xxiii, [1], 484; 555, [1]pp.