Augustus

The Life of Rome's First Emperor

By: Anthony Everitt

Narrated by: John Curless

Length: 15 hrs and 32 mins

Publisher's summary

Historian Anthony Everitt earned widespread critical acclaim for his best-selling biography of Cicero. Now, with Augustus, he delivers his second spellbinding account of a Roman icon whose legacy has echoed through the ages.

Caesar Augustus has been called history's greatest emperor. It was said he found Rome made of clay and left it made of marble. With a senator for a father and Julius Caesar for a great-uncle, he ascended the ranks of Roman society with breathtaking speed. His courage in battle is still questioned, yet his political savvy was second to none. He had a lifelong rival in Mark Antony and a 51-year companion in his wife, Livia. And his influence extended perhaps further than that of any ruler who has ever lived.

Drawing on the available information, while making a handful of his own groundbreaking assertions, Everitt brings the real Augustus to vivid life in this fascinating narrative.

©2006 Anthony Everitt (P)2006 Recorded Books LLC

Critic reviews

"This familiar story is fresh again in this lively retelling." (Publishers Weekly)
"Everitt's writing is so crisp and so lively he brings both Rome and Augustus to life in this magnificent work, a must-read for anyone interested in classical times." (Booklist)

Coitus Interruptus

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes!

There are so many reasons why this is one of my favorite books. Consider something like "Game of Thrones" and "Gladiator", but REAL history. Every aspect of humanity is touched.

I learned so much about what Roman life was like, I actually felt like I was watching events unfold at some points.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Augustus?

It's like a continious string of emotions.

Which scene was your favorite?

Octavians wife during his funeral.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I laughed a lot many times. Shocked many other times.

Fun and informative

Any additional comments?

This is a wonderfully told history of one of the.most influential men in all of ancient history. The author does a great job of attempting to remain impartial and tell the facts all the while also attempting to bring a voice and emotion to Rome's first emperor. A great listen for all of those interest in history!

A great biography

When a biography reads like a novel and still manages to convey a mountain of information without being tedious you have one seriously great book! Anthony Everitt is both an entertaining writer and a fine historian. John Curless gives a superlative performance. Put that all together and you have a 5 star book. Augustus is given his due here as one of the great people in history. It's an extraordinary story as told by an extraordinary story teller.

augustus review

Informative,well read, a bit dry if you are not a real history lover. Well worth the listening.

Very Well Written History Lesson

This is an extremely well written fictionalized account of one of the most fascinating historical figures who ever lived. Interestingly, very germane to present day US. That being said, and although I very much like to learn through reading, the delivery of this material was very dry, more like a history lesson than a novel.

So, if you're looking to be entertained, this may not be for you. If you're looking to be informed, you'll be pleased.

A Soap Opera History

I thought Agustus was a decent emperor. No evidence of that in this book. I suppose such a perspective had to be written, but I found the intrigue tedious. Maybe I was spoiled by the Author's book on Cicero, which I had just listened to, and which I found more elevated.

Great information and great performance

Where does Augustus rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Its one of the best that I have listened to so far. The performance was great...very pleasurable to listen to. The information was easy to understand and follow...I definitely learned a lot.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Augustus

What about John Curless’s performance did you like?

His tone was very pleasant and it seemed as if he was talking to me as opposed to reading.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Nothing to note of as far as laughing or crying. Just fascinating information about real people from history.

Excellent!

Really enjoyed learning more about one of Rome's most well known emperors. After finishing the history of Rome I wanted to dig deeper into this fascinating period of history.

Augustus

Loved it.....well read.. Well thought out..sheds new light on Rome's greatest ruler. I'll be listening to Hadrian next.

I Like it

Very impressive book. I know it is long...very really good. I like it. I am sure you will enjoy it. I wish Cicero on Audible.