"Julius Caesar was a brilliant politician who became sole ruler of a Roman empire increased in size by his own military exploits. As a military strategist he never lost a campaign; he was also a considerable speaker and historical writer. A lavish spender, who at the outset of his career was often hugely in debt, he had by his death amassed by various means a personal fortune estimated as equal to one-seventh of the entire Roman treasury. His influence was profound and his sexual habits were the scandal of the age." "Antony Kamm provides a fresh account, for the general reader and the student, of Caesar's life, set against the historical, political, and social background of the times, with new translations from classical sources. Also featured are key figures such as Marius, Sulla, Cicero, Catiline, Pompey, Cato, Crassus, Clodius, Mark Antony, Servilia and her son Brutus, Gaius Octavius, who became the emperor Augustus, and his sister Octavia, Calpurnius Piso and his daughter Calpurnia (Caesar's wife), and Cleopatra, as well as the politicians who supported or opposed him and the military men who fought for and against him. For those people interested in the end of the Roman republic and the growth of the Roman empire, and the great figures of Roman history, this new look at an extraordinary man will be indispensable."--BOOK JACKET.

Take a train through Wales. Stay in a bargain B&B (and get mothered with a full English breakfast). Shop for a picnic at the Queen's grocers. Prowl London's flea markets. Have lunch in Dickens's favorite pub. Go to a festival. Commune with Stonehenge. Memorize the symphony of Edinburgh's streets. In other words, if you want to experience the heart and soul of Great Britain, whatever you do, don't spend too much money.


The deep and rich experience of Great Britain that every true traveler yearns for is one of the things in life that money can't buy. In fact, if you have it, don't use it. Traveling lavishly is the surest way to turn yourself into a sideline traveler. Restaurants with white-glove service are great -- sometimes -- but they're usually not the best place to find the perfect ploughman's pie. Doormen at plush hotels have their place, but not when your look-alike room could be anywhere from Düsseldorf to Detroit. Better to stay in a more intimate place that truly gives you the atmosphere you traveled so far to experience. Don't just stand and watch -- jump into the spirit of what's around you.


If you want to see Great Britain up close and savor the essence of the country and its people in all their charming glory, this book is for you. We'll show you the local culture, the offbeat sights, the bars and cafés where tourists rarely tread, and the B&Bs and other hostelries where you'll meet fellow travelers -- places where the locals would send their friends. And because you'll probably want to see the famous places if you haven't already been there, we give you tips on losing the crowds, plus the quirky and obscure facts you want as well as the basics everyone needs.


Our Gang

Who are we? We're artists and poets, slackers and straight arrows, and travel writers and journalists who in our less hedonistic moments report on local news and spin out an occasional opinion piece. What we share is a certain footloose spirit and a passion for England, Wales, and Scotland, which we celebrate in this guidebook. Shamelessly, we've revealed all of our favorite places and our deepest, darkest travel secrets, all so that you can learn from our past mistakes and experience the best part of Great Britain to the fullest. If you can't take your best friend on the road, or if your best friend is hopeless with directions, stick with us.

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Excerpted from Great Britain by Fodor's Travel Publications, Inc. Staff
All rights reserved by the original copyright owners. Excerpts are provided for display purposes only and may not be reproduced, reprinted or distributed without the written permission of the publisher.