Empire

De: Niall Ferguson

Narrado por: Sean Barrett

The British Empire was the largest in all history: the nearest thing to global domination ever achieved. The world we know today is in large measure the product of Britain's age of empire. The global spread of capitalism, telecommunications, the English language, and the institutions of representative government - all these can be traced back to the extraordinary expansion of Britain's economy, population, and culture from the 17th century until the mid-20th.

On a vast and vividly colored canvas, Empire shows how the British Empire acted as midwife to modernity. Displaying the originality and rigor that have made him the brightest light among British historians, Ferguson shows that far from being a subject for nostalgia, the story of the Empire is pregnant with lessons for the world today - in particular for the United States as it stands on the brink of a new kind of imperial power. A dazzling tour de force, Empire is a remarkable reappraisal of the prizes and pitfalls of global empire.

©2012 AudioGO (P)2012 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Delightfully and accidently nationalistic

Fun stories, good sinew to connect them. So genuine was the telling. I’d reread it twice.

Good

This is a brief overview of the British empire. An empire in which the sun never set.. because the British couldn't be trusted with the lights off. It was a good book with a good narrator. There are a few quibbles, but all in all a good job by the author.

Great

This was a very good book with an unbiased view of the history of this great empire. Ferguson does not hide the sins of Britain, but at the same time is bold in recognize the outstanding value of the Empire to the modern world. Britain and his Empire were not perfect, but gave to the world great contributions and is questionable how better is the world after their end.

The rise and the fall of the British Empire

There are many misconceptions about the impact of the British Empire in the whole planet earth. Probably the main one is that the British empire simply exploited countries that today are struggling. On the other hand, the British Empire wasn't a charitable enterprise, as many depict.
With this book, Niall Ferguson counters those superficial statements by bringing to surface the facts and people who shaped the history of the British Empire, and the lessons we can learn from it. All this supported by data and historical documents that Ferguson assembles in a catching and entairtaining fashion.
What I would suggest to improve is the narration, the reader did an excellent job, however (and it's probably just me), in some points it's difficult to understand what he says, and not even rewinding several times helps.

Excellent overview with great narration

Very detailed & authentic with excellent naration. Requires a 2nd or even 3rd reading to really get into it as there's so much to cover. Great work however

Powerful insight of history we need to know.

This book is as powerful as Howard Zinn's "The people's history".... it ought to be a must read for every citizen in any democracy.

well worth the listen!

Ferguson presents things in such a clear and understandable way! Of course from a British point of view.
Much to glean from this author's research and presentation of the British empire. Also, of the conclusion comparing the current US Empire and what the future may hold.
Excellent narrator as well!

Re wrote my understanding of British empire

Honest regarding British histories failures but hopeful that certain aspects can be re- utilized by usa

Concise

I've read a bit of British empire history and this is a very concise view of key moments of its history from beginning to end. And no pulled punches with some commentary/explanation.

Lack of overall structure

Just a collection of seemingly random stories throughout the Empires history. Some static on recording. It’s not moby dick though so 2/5