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)

Great read

Just an incredible book that focuses on the earlier life of Cicero. So detailed and awesome. Just found out there are 2 more books! Can’t wait to read those next.

Enjoyable historical fiction story about Cicero

This is historic fiction telling the story of Cicero from the viewpoint of his slave and secretary Tiro. This book surveys a few epochs in Cicero’s life and it isn’t really a unified plot. That said, I rarely found the story lagging as Cicero and Tiro were constantly dealing with challenges and responding to situations. In the first part, Cicero establishes his reputation as the premier advocate in Rome when he prosecutes a patrician for corruption and violence stemming from a governorship in Sicily. In the second part of the book, we see Cicero’s rise in politics overcoming challenges from Crassus, Catalina and Caesar. Harris is a good story teller.

one of the best on audible

From the start I could tell this book was going to be great. I did not understand just how much this book was going to impress me. The effects, drama, storyline, etc. It overwhelmed me. I think this is the best book I have ever listened to or even read as of now. I cannot recommend this book enough.

Most gripping

have always wanted to read about Cicero and Caesar and Robert Harris brings them to life

Interesting and entertaining

This series strikes a good balance between historical research and story. The author creates a vivid picture of the places, people, clothing, food--without ever letting the story sag. The performer does a good job of creating the character of the narrator.

Okay. Not great.

Fairly interesting story but character development was lacking.
The narrator was just okay.
Long pauses between chapters had me checking to see if my iPhone had lost power.

History made accessible by great author and best reader

Ancient Rome never ceases to fascinate and Robert Harris brings a bit of its history alive through his easy style. Simon Jones is simply the best narrator.

Well researched

And very enjoyable. Especially for those who love the Roman history. The end of the Republic is coming and you cannot escape to see some parallels between the past and the present.

Suspenseful, vivid depiction of the life of Cicero

I loved this book for the wonderful characterization of life in ancient Rome, all told from the point of view of a particularly gifted and "privileged" slave. I never thought the politics of ancient Rome could be so suspenseful, but I found the book riveting and highly satisfying. The sinister depiction of Julius Caesar was also fascinating and somewhat unexpected. The narration is outstanding.

Caveat emptor

Brilliant composition and presentation of a pivotal phase of Roman politics seen through the eyes of a slave serving the model of lawyer/statesmen seen to the present day