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The Commentaries of Caesar

Anthony Trollope · 1870

An 1870 essay by novelist Anthony Trollope analyzing Caesar's own war writings as literature and history.

A later 19th-century essay studying Caesar's own Commentaries as a historical writer and general.

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What it is

This essay, written by the novelist Anthony Trollope in 1870, examines Caesar's Commentaries, his firsthand accounts of his military campaigns, including his invasions of Britain.

Why it matters

Trollope argues that Caesar's Commentaries mark a turning point toward modern history writing, because Caesar described events he witnessed and did himself, rather than distant legends. The essay shows how a 19th-century writer valued Caesar's own words as uniquely trustworthy and vivid compared to earlier historical or legendary writing, helping explain why Caesar's own texts became so influential.

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  • Why does Trollope think Caesar's writing feels like

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