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)

At home and at the office...

except in this story the office is the Roman Senate. I enjoyed I, Claudis but feel this is a better listen. It takes the listener not just into the politics and work of the ancient lawyers but into the home and lifestyle. Not just of the wealthy but what we call the middle class. I will listen to this Audible again and will continue with the series.

Bringing History to Life

Really good historical fiction is a rarity. Most books calling themselves historical fiction are simply modern murder mysteries or romance novels with a bit of period detail thrown in. But now and then a marvelous book comes along that takes you into the past in with an honesty and intimacy in a way a pure history book never could. Think of Wolf Hall, I Claudius, or The Red Badge of Courage. Imperium is definitely in that category.

This compelling story, beautifully narrated by Simon Jones, brings Cicero and his world alive. You can practically smell the decaying odors of Rome in the final days of the Republic. You are gripped by his scheming, even as you know the ultimate outcome. It takes a great writer to urge you along even when there is no mystery. I highly recommend this audio book to anyone who loves history, politics, biography, or just a plain good story.

10/10

This was simply an amazing book on an amazing event in history. One of my favorites.

The Gold Standard for Historical Fiction

Harris does an amazing job bringing the world of the Ciceronian republic to life. The characters are richly drawn and the narrator, the brilliant slave Tiro, gives us an empathetic window into the life of the powerless among the 1% in Rome with power lusting for Imperium.
Perhaps my conscience is a bit sensitive, but the level of entrenched corruption and the powerlessness of the citizens to do anything about it left me a bit depressed listening to this audiobook during the horrific human rights abuses of ‘21-‘22 in Russia/Ukraine, Ethiopia, Sudan, Somalia, Yemen, Myanmar, China, and Afghanistan. (not to speak of all the rogue nations like N Korea, Libya, Eritrea, and Venezuela)

fabulous. entertaining.

you look back at the Nyics of 2000 years ago Nd compare them to the anti s of today and realize that absolutely nothing has changed. it is all about power in government and secret deals to maintain. power.

Please get Lustrum on Audible

What made the experience of listening to Imperium the most enjoyable?

I Loved This Book. Great narration and fantastic detail. Now I want to listen to the Second Book Lustrum that continues with Caesar and the ides of March. Instead you only have the third book so I will have to read the second.Disappointed.Had I realized this I would not have started with Imperium.

roman sentate

This book was surprisingly entertaining. It tells of the life of a roman senator who gifts of oratory lead him to position and power. Characters such as Pompeii, Caesar, Crasus and Cicero come alive. I only hope the real oratory of the time was close to what is attrirbuted to these characters. It is a book of politics, public opinion and the rise and fall of senators.

Very interesting - good diversion

Great historical fiction.

Nicely read. Great to learn about Cicero from his spaces point of view. Anxious to read more Robert Harris. Only comment-there are long silent breaks between chapters. Thought my player was broke.

Hauntingly good!

I have already re-played the trial (first half) twice. SO AMAZING. That's all I can say. AMAZING.

Historical Fiction At Its Finest

The author draws the reader into Ancient Rome and SPQR. He brings history to life with his characters who are genuinely believable. The exciting times and crazy events are seen through the eyes of Cicero, a brilliant man who loved his life. The narrator is excellent. This book is, however, a "Credit Monster". To experience more of Cicero and his times, it is irresistible to spend credits on the rest of the Cicero Trilogy, as well as a couple of Great Courses about Ancient Rome. This is the most outstanding book that I have listened to in more than 10 years with Audible, and I revisit it often.