A Friend of Cæsar: A Tale of the Fall of the Roman Republic. Time, 50-47 B.C.

"A Friend of Cæsar: A Tale of the Fall of the Roman Republic" by William Stearns Davis is a historical novel written in the late 19th century. The story is set during 50-47 B.C. and centers around the complexities of Roman society during a tumultuous period, particularly focusing on the life of Quintus Livius Drusus. The narrative explores themes of love, duty, and the evolving political landscape as characters navigate their relationships against the backdrop of the decline of the Roman Republic." "The opening of the novel introduces us to a hot September day near Præneste, where Quintus Livius Drusus, freshly returned from his studies in Athens, is expected by his slaves. As the narrative unfolds, we learn about Drusus's character and his connections, particularly with Cornelia, the daughter of his father's friend. The scene shifts from the anticipation of Drusus's arrival, characterized by the daily struggles and interactions of the slaves, to a deeper exploration of Drusus himself, who contemplates his familial obligations and the societal expectations surrounding his imminent marriage. This initial glimpse sets the stage for a rich exploration of the social dynamics and personal dilemmas prevailing in ancient Rome." (This is an automatically generated summary.)

William Stearns Davis was an American educator, historian, and author. He has been cited as one who "contributed to history as a scholarly discipline,. .. [but] was intrigued by the human side of history, which, at the time, was neglected by the discipline." After first experimenting with short stories, he turned while still a college undergraduate to longer forms to relate, from an involved (fictional) character's view, a number of critical turns of history. This faculty for humanizing, even dramatizing, history characterized Davis' later academic and professional writings as well, making them particularly suitable for secondary and higher education during the first half of the twentieth century in a field which, according to one editor, had "lost the freshness and robustness. .. the congeniality" that should mark the study of history. Both Davis' fiction and non-fiction are found in public and academic libraries today.