A History of Rome, Volume 1

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.

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.

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.

I have always wanted to know more about Rome, than the simple 1 or 2 pages they usually put in the history books. This book and part2 are extremely detailed in their coverage of Rome's History from beginning to end. And even for all the detail it was very engrossing.

The audio itself was very clear and easy to listen too. The narrator has a good voice and a compelling way of tell the History.

An excellent audiobook.

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.

While this is an excellent History of Rome, IMHO , it is even better narrated by Charlton Griffin. I downloaded it partly because I had listened to Hannibal: One Man Against Rome (also great), which was narrated by Griffin. He is a joy to listen to, at least for me. I'm look forward to Xenophon and Histories of Greece as well! A great book and a great listening experience. Now if he were to only narrate A Distant Mirror by Barbara Tuchman, I would really be grateful.

You can easily find more up-to-date histories of Rome that will include recent archaeological findings and exclude the racial stereotypes, but this is a fascinating story well-told by an engaging reader.

I listened to it twice almost back-to-back and am eager to hear Part II.

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

This book is a fascinating compilation of Roman history that leads one through the history and culture of the most powerful civilization that ever existed. The diction by the narrator is clear and interesting, making listening easy. Recommended both to students of history as well as to those who know little about the era.

A very detailed account of early Rome. Great book.