"Effectively the first-ever modern biography of Cato. The writing is excellent, the stories unforgettable, and the lessons practical."--Tim Ferriss on FourHourWorkWeek.com "[This] wise and lively book offers two lessons: first, knowing modern politics can yield insight into study of the ancient world; and second, Rome still has lessons to teach us today." --"City Journal ""The authors succeed brilliantly in bringing this fascinating statesman to life."--"Kirkus Reviews ""In a rare modern biography of Marcus Cato the Younger, a rival of both Caesar and Pompey, Goodman, formerly a Democratic speechwriter, and Soni (managing editor, Huffington Post) argue that understanding Cato and the many legends surrounding him will help readers understand both the current American political climate and contemporary notions of freedom...there are great moments here: Cato, struggling in Utica after the defeats at Pharsalus and Thapsus, is revealed in all his flawed humanity. Where others (e.g. Adrian Goldsworthy in "Caesar: Life of a Colussus") are inclined to view Cato as a hypocrite, using his virture and stoicism as another tack to rise in the high-stakes world of late Republic Rome power politics, Goodman and Soni take a more nuanced approach, broaching many questions, never answering firmly. This makes for a more revealing portrait of a real man and demonstrates just how much a symbol Cato has become."--"Library Journal ""Written in flowing, nonacademic prose, this biography suits the never-waning popular interest in the dramas of ancient Roman history." --"Booklist ""This well-paced and dramatic book narrates the controversial life and political and moral legacy of Marcus Porcius Cato...They [the authors] give their account depth by closely grounding it in the ancient sources, and their experience in and knowledge of modern politics adds special value to their assessments of Cato... indeed frankly describing his flaws a

ROB GOODMAN has worked as the speechwriter for House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer and Senator Chris Dodd. He has written speeches and opinion pieces that have appeared on the floors of both houses of Congress, on national television and radio, and in "The New York Times, The Washington Post, " and "The""Wall Street Journal." JIMMY SONI is the managing editor of "The Huffington Post" and a former speechwriter, whose writing and commentary have appeared in "The Atlantic" online and on NPR, among other outlets.