An outstanding analysis of Roman general Scipio Africanus' contribution towards Rome's victory over Carthage in the Second Punic War.

Combining the various ancient sources with modern scholarship, the author paints the best available picture of each of Scipio's battles both in Spain and later in North Africa, culminating in the penultimate victory over Hannibal at Zama. In my opinion, this book is the best available source to obtain a true appreciation for Scipio's strategic, tactical and logistic genius. Truly, one of antiquity's greatest generals. ( )

This biography was very thoroughly researched by a very experienced military historian. It contains very detailed accounts, with maps of several battles during the Second Punic War and includes much of the available political background in Rome which both helped and hindered Scipio's military and political careers. ( )

Recommended for anyone who enjoys Republican Roman history or military history. This is the very well written and well researched biography of Publius Cornelius Scipio Africanus, focusing on his adult years as one of the preeminent generals of his day. An innovative strategic thinker, Scipio Africanus is perhaps best understood through his battles, and this book takes great pains to understand the battles from a variety of perspectives. The sources for Scipio's early life are scant, which is a shame, because it would have been good to know more about what made him into the masterful general that he ultimately became. The book focuses on the public, rather than the private life of Scipio, and his wife and children are mentioned only in passing. A surprisingly engaging work for a subject so potentially dry and dull, I really enjoyed this book. ( )