A History of Rome, Volume 1

By: Cyril Robinson

Narrated by: Charlton Griffin

Length: 10 hrs and 36 mins

Publisher's summary

A History of Rome is the story of a tiny market town on the Tiber, its rise to world domination, and then its slow, terrible plunge to utter ruin. It is the single greatest event in all human history. Discover the fascinating origin of Rome and its mysterious Etruscan connections, its first faltering steps toward republican government, and its methodical subjugation of surrounding tribes. Slowly, the puritanical Roman Republic asserts control over all of Italy and in the process forges a political unity which proves enduring. That unity is sorely tested as Rome comes into conflict with Carthage and Hannibal, a horrifying ordeal which alters world history for all time. A resurgent Rome is next drawn into the intrigues of the eastern Mediterranean, finally conquering the Greek speaking world...only to end up surrendering itself to a seductive, decadent Hellenistic culture. A century of politcal tension and civil strife ensues. Follow the rise of powerful men like the brothers Tiberius and Caius Gracchus, Marius, Sulla, Pompey, Cicero and the greatest Roman of them all - Julius Caesar.

©2001 Audio Connoisseur

Great Book

Very good listening, a complete recount of the rise and fall of the Roman empire.

Can't listen enough

I love hearing about the Roman Empire and just can't seem to be able to read and listen enough. Just wish I didn't have to listen for seven hours before they finally got the Julius Caesar....

A Real History

If youre looking for a detailed look at the History of rome, then this is it.
Vocally it does take a little getting used to but stick with it because you'll be amazed at just how much you didn't know about the Romans!
I've listen to both volumes one and two. Highly reccomended.

Excellent work!

I went into this audiobook with barely more than a rudimentary knowledge of Roman history. I had a basic grasp of certain emperors, various conflicts, and the like, but certainly nothing on a remotely academic scale.

This recording is excellent. It's beginnings are rather dry- lots of names, rivers, mountain ranges, tribes, and the like- but once everything is in place, it picks up dramatically. The telling of the Punic Wars will honestly keep you on the edge of your seat. Thanks to these tapes, I have a new interest in the General Hannibal. The tales of politics and intrigue is sure to fascinate any student of history.

The narration is eloquent and well-done. The chapters are organized in good fashion, though you will most likely need to rewind at certain places to get all the names and events in order.

All in all, excellent work. Ten hours of engaging history- and definetly relevant to current events. Check it out.

Very nice production of excellent old history

The narration and production quality were surprisingly high for an older (1930s I believe) history. Certainly recommended.

A superb survey of Ancient Roman History

I was looking for a reasonably comprehensive history not just of the "decline and fall" of Rome, but of its rise as well. I was particularly interested in the final years of the republic, which occurred prior to the zenith of Roman power.

In this book, I hit the jackpot. The writing is clear, the narration spirited. I found this survey to be just the right level of detail in order to permit the reader to see similarities with events of the 20th and 21st centuries.

Don't miss Volume 2, either, which was just as good.

Somewhat plodding in places, but worthwhile

The story is somewhat plodding and drags in some places, but then such an all-encompassing topic of history is not always subject matter that can keep the listener's attention riveted to the "story." It is, in the end, a worthwhile and entertaining lead-in to Volume 2, which by either quality of writing or by accident of history, is a better book.

Biased & outdated but useful!

I found this narration annoying and and forced. Mispronunciations and a plumy faux english accent mar this old fashioned, timeline type of history telling. I cannot share the enthusiasm of other reviewers for this Narrator. At times I turned it off in exasperation! However I found the text compelling enough to continue to the end.

Bad pronunciation

A great history source. The complex history of Rome is always entertaining. The narrator is pleasant but not one for proper pronunciatation.

Fair intro

This is a pretty fair introduction to Roman history, and the narrator is excellent. There are however numerous clicks and other noises throughout the recording. They are in the background and more an annoyance than anything else.