Harry Mount and John Davie decode the wisdom of the past in this light and fascinating book, revealing how the ancient Latin language can help us live better in the present. There are so many Latin phrases in everyday use that we often use them without understanding the background and context in which they were truly used. "Carpe diem," "Stet," "Memento mori," "Et tu Brute" – the examples could fill an entire book. Many of these phrases are also used in English translation. Many of these phrases are humorous, but they are also a rich source of wisdom: the wisdom of the ancients. The chapters of this book include: Latin for Gardeners, the Great Latin Erotic Poets, Cicero on How to Age with Dignity, and Seneca with the Stoic Guide to Life. Each chapter begins with a quote and is lightly sprinkled with many more, with accompanying English translations and entertaining sketches and illustrations scattered throughout the narrative. The background of each quote is explained so that the context is fully understood. Who crossed the Rubicon and why, for example? In an age of great political and social turmoil, more and more people are returning to ancient wisdom as a guide for life. Here they come in contact with two distinguished scholars of classical studies who have common ground and can help make the Latin language accessible to all, and of course, enjoyable!