How can historians effectively interpret the writings of Cicero to reconstruct the political realities of the late Roman Republic? Andrew Lintott, a scholar of Roman history, provides a methodological framework for analyzing Cicero's speeches, letters, and treatises. The book argues that because Cicero was a partisan political actor, his texts require rigorous critical scrutiny rather than literal acceptance as objective historical record.

Scholars and students of Roman history frequently cite this work as a necessary manual for navigating the complexities of primary source analysis. It is widely regarded as a foundational text for those seeking to move beyond surface-level readings of ancient political rhetoric.