A Survey of Ancient History Audiobook By John Pruskin cover art

A Survey of Ancient History

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A Survey of Ancient History

By: John Pruskin
Narrated by: Alec Sand
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About this listen

 In this eight-hour audiobook, 5,000 years of history have been condensed into a concise and easy to follow series of lectures. Each track is a titled section, no more than two to four minutes long, making the material easy to ingest, navigate, and review.

Take a fascinating journey from the mists of prehistory to the fall of the Roman empire. Be introduced to the most notable men and minds of the ancient world. Explore the great currents of philosophy, art, science and economics that have shaped our world.

©2008 Trout Lake Media (P)2007 Trout Lake Media Ancient Ancient History
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Editorial reviews

Five thousand years in the progress of human civilization is explained with a concise, animated series of mini-lectures. Examining of the course of human events flows briskly from the geologic influences in prehistory through the seismic shifts in culture and power created with the fall of the Roman Empire. (This look at history also serves as the perfect complement to the author’s companion volume, A Survey of the Middle Ages: A.D. 500 - 1270). The easy-to-follow discussion highlights the most notable minds, greatest leaders, most significant events, and influential philosophies, as well as the formation of the arts, the development of the sciences, and foundation of the economic principles that continue to shape the present day.
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This is a very, very thin introduction to the major ancient civilizations. It is like listening to a short podcast, complete with cheesy sound effects and a narrator who sounds less than professional. The narrator has a flat, slightly irate-sounding voice and sighs repeated times. (Maybe he was yawning? I certainly was.)

Imagine a tired, slightly angry man reading Wikipedia for 5 hours, and chapters broken down by a musical flourish from a 1980's synthesizer and a loud, jarring "beep." Every two minutes or so. That was a good thing. The beep stopped me from falling asleep at the wheel while driving.

The content is too thinly skimmed over to really hold the interest of the listener. Like I said, think of an entry in an encyclopedia. If that's what you want, and you don't mind a grumpy narrator, this may be for you.

Not really what I was looking for

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Would you be willing to try another one of Alec Sand’s performances?

No.

Any additional comments?

This could be a very interesting book if the narrator sounded the least bit interested in the topic. Instead, he presents it as if he's a tired history professor, lecturing to a class when he would rather be home.

Could Be Presented Better

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What made the experience of listening to A Survey of Ancient History the most enjoyable?

Relatively sort, segmented sections based on themes in a chronological sequence. Easy to listen to and informative.

Who was your favorite character and why?

N/A

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No

Excellent historical overview

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The content is VERY superficial, I recognize that this is titled as a survey but some actual insight and content is still appropriate.
On top of that the narration is abysmal, very flat and halting.

Give it a pass

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Would you try another book from John Pruskin and/or Alec Sand?

Might with Pruskin, but not Sand.ss

What was most disappointing about John Pruskin’s story?

I honestly cannot tell as the narration was so horrible, I was unable to get far.

How could the performance have been better?

Alec Sand has no sense of flow in his narration.

Any additional comments?

I am usuallee (wie does not work on this computer) am able to listen with poor narration if I am interested, but this was the worst I have ever encountered.

exmtremel difficult to listen to

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This is one of the best books I've ever heard and well read. The scope and breath is incredible. Well read and authoritative. Great speaking voice.

History that is Living!

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