B.H. Lidell Hart

Scipio Africanus. Greater than Napoleon

“That Caesar's work is known universally, and Scipio little more than a name to the ordinary educated man, is a curious reflection on our historical standards, for one inaugurated the world dominion of Roman civilization, the other paved the way for its decay.”

“How might the course of history have been changed had not Scipio's successors reversed his policy and entered upon the fateful path of annexation? When the Barbarian invasions came they found the Mediterranean world composed of States so thoroughly Romanised that they had long since forgotten the feel of their fetters … Instead of the ring of virile outposts planned by Scipio, a ring of political eunuchs.”

These two quotes from the book sum up the author's admiration for Scipio, and successfully passes it on to the us, the readers. Concise and straightforward, the unconcealed admiration for the general -and the man as well- make up abundantly for the lack of more detailed information on campaigns, etc. due to probably the scarcity of records and also the nature of the book itself, which is not an account of Scipio's life and career, but a summary of his achievements and a comparative study with other famous generals and statesmen of all times.

As a brief introduction to the man and his times does the job well; as a historical read on a subject whatever it is more that entertaining and enjoying.