A Brief History of Roman Britain Audiobook By Joan P. Alcock cover art

A Brief History of Roman Britain

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A Brief History of Roman Britain

By: Joan P. Alcock
Narrated by: Lisa Coleman
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The rise and fall of Roman Britain, how they lived and what they left behind...

In 55 B.C. Julius Caesar came, saw, conquered and then left. It was not until A.D. 43 that the Emperor Claudius crossed the channel and made Britain the western outpost of the Roman Empire that would span from the Scottish border to Persia. For the next 400 years the island would be transformed. Within that period would see the rise of Londinium, almost immediately burnt to the ground in A.D. 60 by Boudicca; Hadrian's Wall, which was constructed in A.D. 112 to keep the northern tribes at bay, as well as the birth of the Emperor Constantine in third century York. Interwoven with the historical narrative is a social history of the period showing how Roman society grew in Britain.

Joan Alcock is a fellow of the University of South London. She is also the author of A Social History of Roman Britain, as well as A Social History of Ancient Rome.

©2011 Joan P. Alcock (P)2012 Audible Ltd Ancient Europe Great Britain Ireland England
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Where does A Brief History of Roman Britain rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

I would have to place this audiobook in the upper third of all the audiobooks I have previously listened to.

What was your reaction to the ending? (No spoilers please!)

Well, it's ancient history... there aren't too many spoilers.

What about Lisa Coleman’s performance did you like?

Lisa Coleman's voice was engaging and easy to listen to.

Any additional comments?

The scholarship on this book was solid. No whimsical tangents taken by the author. This is a solid academic text. If I was going to make one criticism of the text as an audiobook it would have to be the extensive use of referenced archaeological evidence- which in a traditional paper format is standard, but in an audiobook does at times have a cause the narration to drag. Having numerous auditory descriptions, without accompanying pictures is problematic. Overall, I would recommend this book. Alcock is an esteemed scholar on this subject and this audiobook very good.

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What disappointed you about A Brief History of Roman Britain?

It's just an inventory of facts and figures, devoid of any drama or emotion. The people mentioned are simply names, devoid of personality.

What could Joan P. Alcock have done to make this a more enjoyable book for you?

Focused less on checking off every item on her checklist and more on imbuing the story with interest.

What three words best describe Lisa Coleman’s performance?

Clear, sprightly, cheerful

What reaction did this book spark in you? Anger, sadness, disappointment?

Boredom

Incredibly tedious

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