How to Stop a Conspiracy: An Ancient Guide to Saving a Republic

Aristocrat Catiline attempted to overthrow the Roman Republic in 63 BC, backed by corrupt elites and poor Romans. He fled Rome while his associates plotted to burn the city and murder its leaders. The attempted coup culminated in the unmasking of the conspirators in the Senate, a stormy debate, and their execution. Sallust's The War with Catiline is a powerful account of these events, combining juicy details with moral judgments and a description of social misery. This new translation by Josiah Osgood makes Sallust's gripping history more accessible than ever before.

Format: Hardback
Length: 240 pages
Publication date: 10 May 2022
Publisher: Princeton University Press

In the year 63 BC, a disgruntled aristocrat named Catiline, fueled by his frustration of not being elected as the leader of the Roman Republic, plotted a treacherous coup d'état. Supported by corrupt elites and a disillusioned populace, Catiline fled Rome while his associates devised a plan to burn the city and assassinate its esteemed politicians. The attempted coup reached its climax when the conspirators were exposed in the Senate, resulting in a heated debate that led to their swift execution. Catiline and his legions were ultimately defeated in a fierce battle.

Josiah Osgood offers a fresh and invigorating translation of Sallust's renowned work, The War with Catiline, in his book titled How to Stop a Conspiracy. This concise yet powerful masterpiece has left an indelible mark on the minds of countless readers, including the founding fathers of America. Through a gripping narrative, Sallust skillfully weaves together captivating details about Catiline and his debauched associates with astute moral assessments and a poignant portrayal of the societal suffering they exploited. Along the way, we are introduced to unforgettable characters such as Catiline, who possessed a sympathetic understanding of the Roman people yet was willing to bring about the destruction of Rome; his nemesis Cicero, who thwarted the conspiracy; and Julius Caesar, who defended the conspirators and faced accusations of being one of them.

This edition of The War with Catiline includes an insightful introduction that delves into how this historical text has shaped and continues to influence our understanding of the dynamics of republics. Additionally, the original Latin text is presented on facing pages, making Sallust's captivating history more accessible and engaging to modern readers.

Weight: 270g
Dimension: 124 x 179 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780691212364