This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.

1. 1. On The Orator

   De Oratore

   

   The book is a philosophical dialogue that explores the art of oratory, emphasizing its importance in public life and its role in shaping society. Through a series of discussions among prominent Roman figures, it delves into the qualities and skills necessary for an effective orator, including wisdom, eloquence, and moral integrity. The work highlights the orator's responsibility to use rhetoric ethically and persuasively, blending technical skill with a deep understanding of human nature and civic duty. It serves as both a practical guide and a reflection on the cultural and intellectual values of Roman society.

   The 1389th Greatest Book of All Time

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2. 2. On Obligations

   De Officiis

   

   "On Obligations" is a philosophical treatise that explores the ethical and moral duties of individuals in society. Written in the form of a dialogue, the text delves into the nature of justice, the importance of the common good, and the role of virtue in personal and public life. The author articulates a framework for understanding and fulfilling one's obligations, which he argues are derived from both natural law and human reason. Through a detailed examination of various ethical dilemmas and practical situations, the work provides insights into how individuals should act with integrity and wisdom to uphold both legal and moral responsibilities.

   The 2473rd Greatest Book of All Time

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3. 3. On The Gods

   

   The book is a philosophical treatise that explores ancient theological concepts and the nature of the gods, presenting a critical examination of various religious beliefs and practices of the time. The author, a Roman statesman and scholar, engages in a series of dialogues that delve into the existence and attributes of the divine, contrasting the Epicurean view of detached gods with the Stoic belief in a providential order. Through rigorous argumentation and eloquent rhetoric, the work seeks to understand the role of the gods in human life and the universe, while also reflecting on the implications of piety, fate, and the pursuit of happiness within the context of Roman religion and philosophy.

   The 5825th Greatest Book of All Time

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4. 4. Catiline Orations

   The Four Speeches Against Catiline

   

   "Catiline Orations" is a series of speeches given by a renowned Roman statesman, which were aimed at exposing and condemning the conspiracy led by Lucius Sergius Catilina. The speeches, delivered in the Roman Senate, are a masterful display of oratory skills and political acumen, as the statesman successfully manages to turn the Senate against Catiline, ultimately leading to his downfall. The book offers an in-depth study of these speeches, providing valuable insights into Roman politics, rhetoric, and the art of persuasion.

   The 8640th Greatest Book of All Time

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5. 5. Treatises On Friendship And Old Age

   

   The book comprises two philosophical essays that delve into the nature and significance of friendship and the challenges and wisdom of old age. The first essay explores the meaning of true friendship, its role in society, and its importance as a foundation for moral and happy life, emphasizing mutual respect, virtue, and genuine affection. The second essay addresses the concerns of aging, arguing against the common perceptions of old age as a miserable phase. Instead, it presents old age as a period capable of great mental and intellectual activity and satisfaction, provided one has lived a life based on virtue and fulfillment. Through these essays, the text provides timeless insights into handling some of life's most profound transitions with grace and wisdom.

   The 8644th Greatest Book of All Time

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6. 6. On The Ends Of Good And Evil

   De Finibus Bonorum et Malorum

   

   "On the Ends of Good and Evil" is a philosophical work that explores the ethical theories of Hellenistic schools, including Stoicism, Epicureanism, and the Peripatetic tradition. Through a series of dialogues, the text delves into the nature of happiness and the ultimate end of human action, examining what constitutes the highest good. The author critiques and compares the doctrines of these schools, ultimately defending the Stoic view that virtue is the sole basis of happiness and the ultimate goal in life, while also acknowledging valuable insights from other philosophical traditions.

   The 14751st Greatest Book of All Time

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7. 7. Murder Trials

   

   The book is a collection of legal speeches delivered by the renowned Roman orator and statesman, showcasing his rhetorical prowess and legal acumen in various criminal cases. Through these speeches, Cicero defends clients accused of crimes such as corruption, murder, and treason, providing insights into the judicial practices of ancient Rome. The work not only highlights Cicero's skillful argumentation and persuasive techniques but also offers a glimpse into the social and political landscape of the time, reflecting the complexities of Roman law and the intricacies of its legal proceedings.

8. 8. Selected Political Speeches

   The Great Roman Orator's Most Influential Speeches

   

   This collection presents a series of speeches by a renowned Roman statesman and orator, showcasing his rhetorical prowess and political acumen during the late Roman Republic. The speeches cover a range of topics, including his defense of the republic against internal corruption, his opposition to autocratic rule, and his advocacy for justice and civic duty. Through these orations, the speaker articulates his vision for a balanced and virtuous government, reflecting the political turbulence of his time and his commitment to the principles of republicanism.

9. 9. On Life And Death

   

   The book explores the philosophical perspectives on the nature of life and death, delving into the human condition and the pursuit of virtue. It examines the transient nature of life, the inevitability of death, and the importance of living a life guided by reason and moral integrity. Through a series of reflections and arguments, the text encourages readers to contemplate the value of wisdom and the cultivation of the soul as a means to achieve true happiness and tranquility, even in the face of mortality.
10. 10. Selected Works

    

    This collection of writings offers a glimpse into the mind of one of ancient Rome's most influential statesmen and philosophers, showcasing his eloquence and rhetorical prowess. Through a series of speeches, letters, and philosophical treatises, the reader is introduced to the political and moral dilemmas of the Roman Republic, as well as timeless reflections on justice, duty, and the art of persuasion. The works highlight the author's commitment to the principles of the republic, his skill in navigating the complexities of political life, and his enduring legacy as a thinker who sought to balance personal integrity with public service.

11. 11. Rhetorica Ad Herennium

    

    This ancient Roman treatise serves as a comprehensive guide to the art of rhetoric, offering detailed instructions on the principles and techniques of effective public speaking. It covers the five canons of rhetoric: invention, arrangement, style, memory, and delivery, providing practical advice on crafting persuasive arguments, structuring speeches, and engaging audiences. The work emphasizes the importance of adapting one's oratory to suit different contexts and audiences, making it a foundational text for students and practitioners of rhetoric throughout history.

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12. 12. On The Ideal Orator

    

    This classical work delves into the art of rhetoric, exploring the qualities and skills necessary to become an exemplary orator. Through a series of dialogues, it examines the intricate relationship between eloquence and wisdom, emphasizing the importance of a well-rounded education in various disciplines to achieve mastery in public speaking. The text highlights the significance of moral character, emotional intelligence, and adaptability in effectively persuading and engaging audiences, presenting a comprehensive guide to the timeless principles of effective communication.

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13. 13. The Nature Of The Gods

    

    In this philosophical treatise, the author delves into the complex and varied beliefs surrounding the divine in ancient Roman society, presenting a dialogue between representatives of the major schools of thought: Epicureanism, Stoicism, and Academic Skepticism. Through a series of engaging discussions, the work explores the nature, existence, and attributes of the gods, questioning the validity and implications of religious beliefs. The text serves as a critical examination of theology, offering insights into the diverse perspectives on divinity and the role of religion in human life, while also reflecting the intellectual climate of the late Roman Republic.

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14. 14. On The Good Life

    

    This philosophical work explores the nature of happiness and the pursuit of a virtuous life, drawing on the wisdom of ancient Greek and Roman thinkers. It delves into the importance of moral integrity, the role of friendship, and the value of intellectual pursuits as essential components of a fulfilling existence. Through a series of dialogues and essays, the text offers insights into how individuals can achieve personal contentment and contribute positively to society, emphasizing the timeless relevance of ethical living and the cultivation of inner peace.

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15. 15. On The Republic / On The Laws

    

    This philosophical work delves into the nature of justice, governance, and the ideal state, drawing on the rich traditions of Roman and Greek thought. Through a series of dialogues, it explores the principles of law and the role of the citizen in maintaining a just society. The text emphasizes the importance of moral integrity and the rule of law as foundational elements of a stable republic, advocating for a balanced government that harmonizes the interests of the individual with the common good. It serves as a timeless reflection on the complexities of political life and the enduring quest for a just and equitable society.

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16. 16. How To Grow Old

    On Old Age

    

    This timeless philosophical treatise explores the art of aging gracefully, emphasizing the importance of wisdom, virtue, and the acceptance of life's natural progression. It offers insights into how to embrace the later stages of life with dignity and purpose, arguing that old age can be a period of great fulfillment and intellectual growth. Through a series of dialogues, it encourages readers to focus on the cultivation of the mind and spirit, rather than lamenting the physical decline, and to find joy in the experiences and knowledge accumulated over a lifetime.

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17. 17. Breviario De Campaña Electoral

    

    A candid, practical guide to winning office in the Roman Republic, it lays out timeless campaign tactics: shape a compelling public image, court every social group, mobilize friends and patrons, promise generously but vaguely, keep your name constantly before voters, undermine rivals without seeming malicious, and project unwavering virtue while practicing political realism. Part pep talk and part strategy memo, it reveals the mechanics of persuasion, visibility, alliances, and patronage that drive electoral success.

18. 18. Cicero's Orations

    

    A collection of powerful public speeches that display masterful rhetoric applied to legal defenses, political debates and crisis moments of the late Roman Republic; the orations combine forensic argument, moral exhortation and sharp invective to defend clients, prosecute corrupt officials and rally the senate and populace, while revealing the speaker’s tactical use of style, character appeals and appeals to civic virtue amid intense factional conflict—an indispensable record of Roman law, politics and persuasive technique.

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19. 19. Treatise On The Commonwealth

    

    A philosophical dialogue that explores the nature, purpose, and best organization of the political community, arguing that justice, natural law, and virtue must ground public life; it defends a mixed constitution that balances elements of monarchy, aristocracy, and democracy, examines the qualities and education of the ideal statesman, critiques corruption and decline in practical politics, and uses Roman historical examples and cosmological reflections to connect civic duty, law, and the common good.

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20. 20. Drei Reden Vor Caesar.

    

21. 21. Letters To Atticus, Vol. 2 Of 3

    

    A candid collection of private letters that chronicles one Roman statesman’s struggles and strategies amid the Republic’s turbulence, blending detailed reports on political maneuvers, legal affairs, and military events with intimate reflections on friendship, family, and personal anxieties; the correspondence reveals both the practical business of public life—alliances, negotiations, and litigious disputes—and a cultivated literary sensibility, offering a vivid, immediate portrait of the era’s power struggles and the writer’s attempts to navigate them.

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22. 22. Letters To Atticus Vol. 1 Of 3, Book 1 6

    Vol. 1 of 3, Books 1–6

    

    A candid collection of intimate letters from a Roman statesman to his trusted friend, offering a vivid, day-to-day account of political maneuvering, legal struggles, personal anxieties and small domestic concerns during a turbulent era of the late Republic. The correspondence mixes acute commentary on contemporary leaders and crises with requests for news and favors, tactical advice, reflections on exile and ambition, and moments of wry self-revelation, revealing both the writer’s rhetorical gifts and his dependence on close friendship. Together the letters illuminate how public events shaped private lives and show the uneasy balance between principle and pragmatism in republican politics.

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23. 23. Letters To Atticus, Vol. 3 Of 3, Books 12 16

    

    A collection of candid personal letters revealing a leading Roman statesman’s immediate responses to political upheaval and civil strife, mixing urgent political analysis and tactical counsel with intimate reflections, philosophical asides, and everyday concerns; through exchanges of advice, consolation, legal and financial details, and expressions of loyalty and grief to a close friend, the correspondence paints a vivid, human portrait of anxiety, dignity, and moral judgment during the Republic’s most turbulent years.

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24. 24. Selections From The Writings Of Cicero

    

    A collection of speeches, letters, and philosophical essays that showcases the art of rhetoric and the ideals of republican government, blending forensic and deliberative oratory with reflections on duty, justice, and moral character; it offers vivid portraits of political turmoil and personal relationships in late Republican Rome while arguing for the rule of law, civic virtue, and practical wisdom, and demonstrates how eloquence and ethical reasoning are employed to defend liberty, public order, and the responsibilities of statesmanship.

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