Ryan
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How Rome Fell
- Death of a Superpower
- By: Adrian Goldsworthy
- Narrated by: Derek Perkins
- Length: 18 hrs and 27 mins
- Unabridged
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Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 804
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Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 712
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Story4.5 out of 5 stars 705
In AD 200, the Roman Empire seemed unassailable, its vast territory accounting for most of the known world. By the end of the fifth century, Roman rule had vanished in Western Europe and much of northern Africa, and only a shrunken Eastern Empire remained. This was a period of remarkable personalities, from the philosopher-emperor Marcus Aurelius to emperors like Diocletian, who portrayed themselves as tough, even brutal, soldiers.
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5 out of 5 stars
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The tragic story of the fall of a great empire
- By Ryan on 03-03-15
- How Rome Fell
- Death of a Superpower
- By: Adrian Goldsworthy
- Narrated by: Derek Perkins
The tragic story of the fall of a great empire
Reviewed: 03-03-15
What made the experience of listening to How Rome Fell the most enjoyable?
How comprehensive the story was. It began before Commodus and went past 476. This emphasized how the fall was not in a vacuum nor was it necessarily a true, catastrophic collapse.
What did you like best about this story?
It continually emphasized the facts instead of wide held societal beliefs. Each supposed cause of the fall of the Roman empire was examined and preconceived notions where attacked and discarded. It is very balanced and reasonable.
What does Derek Perkins bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?
As with all my reviews of his work, he is an excellent narrator who can really bring the story to life.
If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?
They said it was un-filmable, and they where right
Any additional comments?
If you want a general overview of the narrative and potential causes of Rome's dissolution, this is an excellent source
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19 people found this helpful
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Augustus
- First Emperor of Rome
- By: Adrian Goldsworthy
- Narrated by: Derek Perkins
- Length: 18 hrs and 25 mins
- Unabridged
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Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 1,666
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Performance5 out of 5 stars 1,454
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Story4.5 out of 5 stars 1,441
Caesar Augustus's story, one of the most riveting in western history, is filled with drama and contradiction, risky gambles and unexpected success. He began as a teenage warlord, whose only claim to power was as the heir of the murdered Julius Caesar. Mark Antony dubbed him "a boy who owes everything to a name," but in the years to come the youth outmaneuvered all the older and more experienced politicians and was the last man standing in 30 BC.
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5 out of 5 stars
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You know my name...say it.
- By Steven on 12-10-14
- Augustus
- First Emperor of Rome
- By: Adrian Goldsworthy
- Narrated by: Derek Perkins
Excellent book about Rome's first Emperor
Reviewed: 03-03-15
What made the experience of listening to Augustus the most enjoyable?
As a fan of Roman History I really liked the attention to detail and depth that this book went into. Instead of being a general overview as many books on this period are, the book explored Augustus the man.
What did you like best about this story?
The detail, the description. How the setting was created and maintained by both the author and the narrator was excellent.
Have you listened to any of Derek Perkins’s other performances before? How does this one compare?
I have listened to Mr. Perkins' rendition of all of Adrian Goldsworthy's work, and they are all fantastic.
Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?
Not moved so much as was interesting. Learning about the Augustus' love of bawdy poetry and similar quirks was very interesting.
Any additional comments?
If you like history, not just Roman history, listen to this book.
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12 people found this helpful
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Caesar
- Life of a Colossus
- By: Adrian Goldsworthy
- Narrated by: Derek Perkins
- Length: 24 hrs and 46 mins
- Unabridged
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Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 3,983
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Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 3,541
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Story4.5 out of 5 stars 3,535
Tracing the extraordinary trajectory of Julius Caesar's life, Adrian Goldsworthy covers not only the great Roman emperor's accomplishments as charismatic orator, conquering general, and powerful dictator but also lesser-known chapters. Ultimately, Goldsworthy realizes the full complexity of Caesar's character and shows why his political and military leadership continues to resonate some 2,000 years later.
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5 out of 5 stars
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Caesar and his times
- By Mike From Mesa on 08-31-15
- Caesar
- Life of a Colossus
- By: Adrian Goldsworthy
- Narrated by: Derek Perkins
Excellent story read by an excellent narrator
Reviewed: 01-23-15
for anyone who is a fan of history, especially roman history, this is a must read
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24 people found this helpful