Imperium

A Novel of Ancient Rome

By: Robert Harris

Narrated by: Simon Jones

Length: 12 hrs and 40 mins

Publisher's summary

When Tiro, the confidential secretary (and slave) of a Roman senator, opens the door to a terrified stranger on a cold November morning, he sets in motion a chain of events that will eventually propel his master into one of the most suspenseful courtroom dramas in history. The stranger is a Sicilian, a victim of the island's corrupt Roman governor, Verres. The senator is Marcus Cicero, an ambitious young lawyer and spellbinding orator, who at the age of 27 is determined to attain imperium, supreme power in the state.

Of all the great figures of the Roman world, none was more fascinating or charismatic than Cicero. And Tiro, the inventor of shorthand and author of numerous books, including a celebrated biography of his master (which was lost in the Dark Ages), was always by his side.

Compellingly written in Tiro's voice, Imperium is the re-creation of his vanished masterpiece, recounting in vivid detail the story of Cicero's quest for glory, as he competed with some of the most powerful and intimidating figures of his or any other age: Pompey, Caesar, Crassus, and the many other powerful Romans who changed history.

Robert Harris, the master of innovative historical fiction, lures us into a violent, treacherous world of Roman politics at once exotically different from and yet startlingly similar to our own.

©2006 Robert Harris (P)2006 Simon and Schuster, Inc. All rights reserved.

Critic reviews

"Entertaining and enlightening." (Publishers Weekly)

This is just the best. I have listened over and over

Get trilogy. A joy. I sent audible trilogy to eli mystal. Listen to it when i feel depressed

Historical fiction done well

Historical fiction is not easy to pull off especially in audiobook format. This is a good one. Familiar names and characters from a different perspective. Looking forward to listening to the next one in the series.

3.5 stars (rounded down)

Overall, an enjoyable read. I liked Cicero and Tiro quite a bit. To me, the book fell into three sub-stories and I felt a lag in the transition between them. The ending was somewhat abrupt and would have liked a little more conclusion or tease. I also expected the language to be more stilted although Cicero's articulation was excellent. The courtroom debates were intriguing. I would consider another of Harris' books from this historical period.

A bit disappointing

To many errors, but it is an enjoyable listen.

The novel series should be available as one book.

I am debating buying the 2nd of the series.

Interesting but CONFUSING...

I don't know if I am cut out to listen to this type of book! I found it very interesting and was impressed with the amount of information and research it must have taken to have written it. I was however, confused about half the time and when I was mid-way through I actually started it over in order to get a few things straight. So many people have similar names and the sheer number of characters was a daunting task to keep track of. I finally just left it on and stayed partially confused... and I hate to admit that I googled a few things in order to clear up a few nagging questions. It was a very interesting and entertaining ancient Roman history (historical fiction, I guess) lesson!

The Roman

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

Top 10- very nicely done

What did you like best about this story?

The fiction premise brought this very important man to life

Which character – as performed by Simon Jones – was your favorite?

Marcus Tullius Cicero

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Cicero's many principled manipulations and of course, his speeches and logic

Any additional comments?

Can't wait to read Book 2 : Conspirata
Would have liked to see Richard Burton play his part

Not for everyone... but I enjoyed it

If you enjoy Greek history and are curious about the figures who make that historic period memorable, this may be the book for you. After a number of "Who Dunnits?" and thrillers, I was in the mood for something unique. and so enjoyed this book a great deal. I can't imagine that I would always want something this dense, however. The story is of the rise of Marcus Cicero, a major figure in oratory, politics and theatre, told from the viewpoint of his slave/servant, who he apparently treated as a trusted secretary. (According to the tale, the secretary invented shorthand!!) The book takes the Golden Age of Greece out of the hands of those who would make it Olympian, and illustrates that the characteristics that make today's public figures interesting were also the characteristics that make Julius Ceasar and others in the story fascinating. The narrator was excellent and made each character, and there were many, unique.

An Extraordinary Story Wonderfully Told 👏

I have long been a fan of historical fiction; particularly when it is grounded in accounts of true events.

With the possible exception of Gates of Fire by Stephen Pressfield, this is the best of the genre I've ever read (and I've read quite a few).

The story was extraordinary and compellingly told, the sense of verisimilitude it conveyed was astounding, and the narration was perfect. I have already purchased and am looking forward to listening to the rest of the trilogy.

Excellent Courtroom and Political Thriller

You know how some Roman names, despite 2000+ years of history sound familiar? After this book you will understand why the name Cicero still resonates.

I always give 5 stars to "must reads".

Now Cicero is not just some famous Roman somebody but becomes an endearing person to any astute reader. (Yes, even if you're not big on lawyers. - the poor souls get a bad rap) Perry Mason can't hold a flame to Cicero!

If you like great courtroom dramas, Cicero, a lawyer, has his share of excellent courtroom battles and will cross the sword of his cleverness and wit against some of the nastiest characters I've ever heard of in a book. Real drama.

An awesome production, from the excellent narration & editing (i.e. no distracting sounds) you come to feel you know the man and admire a true genius at work. His slave (It is from his point of view the story is told.) is remarkable as well as indeed he invented one of the early forms of shorthand. (fact checked)

Unexpected gem!

While historical fiction is my favortie genre, I am not a particular fan of stories set in ancient Rome. However, I was intrigued by the idea of the story being told from the point of view of Cicero's slave, and decided to order it. To my amazement, this turned out to be one of the best hitorical fiction novels I have ever read. I would highly recommend it.