I have not read this recent book linked to above but I do have Everitt's book on Cicero that was published about 9 years ago and it is excellent. It does not just give Cicero's life but gives a broad brush of the precursors and background to Roman's institutions and politics that made Cicero who he was, and also his contemporaries (both friends and foes). It was very well written and researched and I have every reason to believe that his other books are equally as good and scholarly.
Everitt has also written books on Augustus and Hadrain.
Anything similar to this but that has a kindle version? Looking for something new to read and his books look great but I am running out of space to put bookcases.
vaclav smil, great author, with why usa is not the new roman empire ( or similar title). incomparing usa to rome i presume much of the book is dedicated to analyzing rome. could be wrong of course