The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire, Volume I

De: Edward Gibbon

Narrado por: David Timson

The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire has always maintained its initial appeal to both the general public and scholars alike. Its sheer scale is daunting, encompassing over a millennium of history, covering not merely the Western Empire from the days of the early emperors to its extinction in AD 476, but also the Eastern Empire, which lasted for another thousand years until the Turks vanquished it in 1453. But Gibbon’s style, part historical fact and part literature, is enticing, and the sheer honesty of the man, who endeavours to be scrupulously impartial in his presentation, endears him to the reader. In this recording, David Timson incorporates the most salient of Gibbon’s footnotes.

In Volume I (chapters I-XV), Gibbon opens by setting the scene with the Empire as it stood in the time of Augustus (d. AD 14) before praising the time of the Antonines (AD 98-180). The death of Marcus Aurelius and the accession of Commodus and his successors ushers in turbulent and dangerous times which were only occasionally marked by a wise and temperate ruler. The volume ends in AD 324, with Constantine the Great becoming undisputed Roman emperor, uniting both the East and Western Empires.

Download the accompanying reference guide.Public Domain (P)2014 Naxos AudioBooks

Density

This was a struggle for me, not for the narration or writing style (which are both excellent), but due to density and breadth of the information presented. This must be one of the most thoroughly researched and executed historical works of all time. Truly epic.

Map

I will get a map or maps for the remaining volumes so I can see where Gibbons has jumped to.

If you want detailed and meticulously researched history, you hit the jackpot with this. Otherwise, I do not recommend it.

Narration turned me off early

How could the performance have been better?

For Pete sakes...the narration was terrible....constantly reverting to footnote....end of footnote....couldn't take it any longer and gave up.....much better to just read it

Genial. Para amantes de la historia,ç.

Increíble como escribe el auto y como es narrado. No me di cuenta de la antigüedad del libro hasta que llevaba ya unas horas. Nada esto engancha tanto que de cabeza a por los siguientes volúmenes. La leche que gusto.

one of the best

Timson's dlivery of Gibbons'
magnificent work captures its true escense . I think Gibbons would approve.