Imperium

A Novel of Ancient Rome

By: Robert Harris

Narrated by: Simon Jones

Length: 12 hrs and 40 mins

Publisher's summary

When Tiro, the confidential secretary (and slave) of a Roman senator, opens the door to a terrified stranger on a cold November morning, he sets in motion a chain of events that will eventually propel his master into one of the most suspenseful courtroom dramas in history. The stranger is a Sicilian, a victim of the island's corrupt Roman governor, Verres. The senator is Marcus Cicero, an ambitious young lawyer and spellbinding orator, who at the age of 27 is determined to attain imperium, supreme power in the state.

Of all the great figures of the Roman world, none was more fascinating or charismatic than Cicero. And Tiro, the inventor of shorthand and author of numerous books, including a celebrated biography of his master (which was lost in the Dark Ages), was always by his side.

Compellingly written in Tiro's voice, Imperium is the re-creation of his vanished masterpiece, recounting in vivid detail the story of Cicero's quest for glory, as he competed with some of the most powerful and intimidating figures of his or any other age: Pompey, Caesar, Crassus, and the many other powerful Romans who changed history.

Robert Harris, the master of innovative historical fiction, lures us into a violent, treacherous world of Roman politics at once exotically different from and yet startlingly similar to our own.

©2006 Robert Harris (P)2006 Simon and Schuster, Inc. All rights reserved.

Critic reviews

"Entertaining and enlightening." (Publishers Weekly)

Second time just as wonderful as the first.

First, my only complaint is that the editing left some awkward blank spots throughout.

The third book is due out soon and I thought I'd go back and reread this one. Just as delightful as the first time around.

POPULISM

“Imperium” is a novel about a nuance of politics known as populism. Though Robert Harris’s book is about the beginnings of the Roman Empire, it is the story of the rise of Cicero. Cicero is among the first populists of the Roman world. Before Cicero, only warriors and aristocrats dominate politics. Only force of arms, heritage, and/or wealth give admittance to leadership. Cicero’s weapons are words; not swords, patrimony, or riches.

A populist is one characterized as “a member of a political interest group that seeks to represent interests of ordinary people”. Populists, like all leaders, are neither good nor bad; i.e. they can be either or both. Slightly more is known of Cicero because of letters written by and for Cicero during his life time. However, even with firsthand accounts, there are many historical gaps. Writers like Harris fill in those gaps with research and imagination.

Not to lose sight of Harris’s clever story, there are many twists and turns that lead Cicero to the pinnacle of 1st century Roman power based on populism. Populism leads to constructive as well as destructive change. Cicero becomes a Consul but is assassinated in 43 BC. The irony of “Imperium” is that Cicero is opposed to dictatorship but becomes a tool and a victim of its ascension. Julius Caesar and his adopted son become the first dictators of Rome. Dictatorship is the beginning and the end of the Empire.

This narration of “Imperium” is excellent but unnecessary pauses between chapters degrade Simon Jones’ presentation.

Read it 5 times

Every time I find something new.

Have to write 9 more words, here we go.

The ring of truth

Would you listen to Imperium again? Why?

It is one of my all time favorite listens. I often avoid dry history books, but this one is full of real people involved in a fascinating story.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Imperium?

This book and the narration brought ancient Rome to life for me. It was as if I got to know intimately, historical figures who were previously like cardboard images.

What about Simon Jones’s performance did you like?

Jones's voice has that ring of truth that makes the fictional part of the story merge seamlessly with the factual part, creating an informative and engaging tale yet avoiding distortion. There is an appropriate arrogance in his delivery that makes the words sing.

100% worth your money or credit!

Phenomenal and deeply entertaining slice of Roman history that underscores why Cicero is still admired today! Even already knowing going in the final outcomes of some of Cicero's most celebrated achievements didn't stop me from biting my nails multiple times! Fantastically written and narrated from the point of view of Cicero's secretary (who was also the inventor of Shorthand), and fans of Historical Fiction that honors Historical Fact will enjoy this novel!

A Triumph!!!

I’ve always read and listened to history books. Never fiction. Never historical fiction. I have to say this was an amazing book. So funny and smartly written. And Cicero is such a likable character, which is key to the story working so well. The narration was superb. Really turned me around to seeing the artistry of an audiobook. I’ve always needed to do something when listening to them. This book found me on the couch relaxing with my headphones on. Carried away. I have the next audiobook in the series lined up and ready to go. I thought about reading the next one...but I saw the same narrator did it and thought otherwise.

history, intrigue, politics!

Page Turner with history, intrigue, politics. great reading and great audiobook. highly recommend, looking forward to the rest of the series.

Fun Way to Learn About Republican Rome

This book is engaging and exciting. Exciting may seem like a strange way to describe a book about a political figure of the First Century BC. But it will definitely keep you wondering how Cicero will get out of the current predicament or overcome the odds. Written from the imaginary journal of Cicero's slave (the slave did write a journal which has been lost), you get a personal, up-close account of Cicero. It is like a classical version of the exclusive XYZ network intimate interview with the President but told in a narrative form. I think most readers will like this one. My 17 and 14-year old sons rally enjoyed this listen as well.

This is just the best. I have listened over and over

Get trilogy. A joy. I sent audible trilogy to eli mystal. Listen to it when i feel depressed

Historical fiction done well

Historical fiction is not easy to pull off especially in audiobook format. This is a good one. Familiar names and characters from a different perspective. Looking forward to listening to the next one in the series.