Empires of Trust

How Rome Built - and America Is Building - a New World

De: Thomas F. Madden

Narrado por: Richard Poe

In Empires of Trust, Professor Thomas F. Madden explores surprising parallels between the Roman and American republics.

By making friends of enemies and demonstrating a commitment to fairness, the two republics - both "reluctant" yet unquestioned super-powers - built empires based on trust. Madden also includes vital lessons from the Roman Republic's 100-year struggle with "terrorism."

©2008 Thomas F. Madden (P)2008 Recorded Books,LLC

insightful walk though history

Really enjoyed this in depth discussion of the history of the Roman Empire. So many parallels to how societies develop and evolve. Pretty clear that the human condition seems to repeat itself. I believe that this book can be very valuable to all citizens to better understand the role of government and the responsibility that each individual has in shaping the future.

Provocative comparison, Rome vs US circumstances

Madden's portrayal of early Rome sometimes takes on a Normal Rockwell quality. Rome was, aw shucks, just some well meaning guys who were dragged into building an empire when they really just wanted to stay at home and remodel the living room.

If you can get past the whitewash, the book provides and interesting walk through Rome's early history. The political science treatment of Rome's development is a refreshing break from dull recitation of chronological events that comprises most history books.

Madden steps on plenty of toes. He s an equal opportunity offender, providing analysis and opinions that give nearly everyone an opportunity for righteous indignation. But thats what makes it genuinely interesting and thought provoking.

If you like history, political science, current events, AND if you can enjoy reading a work that is going to challenge your political orthodoxy, then you'll probably like this book.

If you find yourself shouting at Fox news commentators on TV, then you might give this a pass, take a xanax and read Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire. (actually if you read Decline and Fall, you won't need the Xanax..zzzz..)

Gripe: Annoying and repeating grammar mistakes in pluralization. Maybe its GW Bush's influence on the evolution of grammar..... "is the children learnin' "

Excellent!

This is a must read for anyone interested in the realities of how our world works. A great example of the old "The more things change the more they stay the same" rule. The section near the end of comparing the Romans fighting the Jews and the Americans fighting the Islamic fundamentalists was spot on.

Too bad not enough people in the Obama administration read this book before they decided to pull out of Iraq. They merely put off what will be inevitable and lost a lot of lives to boot.

Good but repetitive.

Interesting argument on the problems of our time and their causes. Author does glaze over the horrors of Rome such as the third Punic wars causes (carthago delenda est).

Also is very repetitive especially early on with many concepts.

Would absolutely recommend to others.

Very Relevant to Modern Events in the Middle East

The author is a bit repetitive in the beginning establishing both his definition of an "Empire of Trust" and his thesis that much of ancient Roman and modern American history can be evaluated usefully in that context. Don't let the initial repetition get to you though. This starts off being a fascinating history of the Roman Empire that then begins to draw parallels to just how much our own government has been shaped by the same core principles and similar circumstances.

Even more interesting however are the last few chapters that show how the lessons learned by the Romans in their dealings with terrorism and strife in the Middle East are very much applicable today.

This isn't dry history; Madden writes in a very accessible style that is complemented well by reader Richard Poe. I was listening to this book while driving mostly and I was always disappointed to arrive at my destination and have to turn the book off.

remarkable

I see some who are anti this book. Pay no attention. The wealth of history, the correlation of Rome and the Americans is obvious to those who are able to see the world as it is and not the way you want it to be. If you are a person who lives their life by the way you want it to be but not by how it is, you will not like this book. Hard truths are told. I agree with them and I can take it.

excellent in every way

great narration.
excellent story.
wonderfully presented.

Any history buff who sees similarities between Rome and the U.S. should read.

Great “read”

Well argued and insightful. Would love to know Professor Madden’s views on how the current administration’s foreign policy affects our Empire of trust. So much has changed since the book’s publication. Can’t wait for Empires of Trust 2: Truth and Trust.

required reading

Awesome book, great survey of history and a reminder of how great and educated our founding fathers were.

Narration is terrific.

I liked this book so much that I bought 15 hard copies and gave them to the most influential people I know.

Understanding the concepts in this book (whether you agree or not) is a prerequisite to debating the relevant issues of today.

Alternative History

Thomas F. Madden has done us all a favor by reframing the current situation in the middle east as a repeat of the same type of struggle that erupted between Rome and the Jews. The eerily familiar terrorist tactics of the Siccarii and the incomprehensible internecine bloodshed that occurred from 144 BCE and 74 CE could have been lifted from the reader bar on CNN. Like Rome, the United States is appealed to for aid on all quarters and like Rome is universally reviled for providing it and even by the people to whom aid is rendered. You should get this book. Richard Poe does an outstanding job of narration.