The Modern Scholar: The Tiber and the Potomac: Rome, America, and Empires of Trust

By: Thomas F. Madden

Narrated by: Thomas F. Madden

Length: 7 hrs and 55 mins

Publisher's summary

Esteemed university professor and best-selling author Thomas F. Madden presents an intriguing series of lectures based on a fascinating premise: that the United States has more in common with the rising Roman Republic than with the declining Roman Empire.

The Tiber and the Potomac explores the amazing parallels between history's two most unusual superpowers. Both nations built empires based on trust, skillfully making friends of enemies. During the course of these lectures, Madden not only reveals these often surprising similarities, but also extracts useful principles from history, including vital lessons from Rome's 100-year struggle with terrorism.

Download the accompanying reference guide.

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

Great lecture

Any additional comments?

I've always wanted to learn more about the Roman Empire and how it is similar to the U.S. This lecture series did a great job of explaining how we view ourselves from within and how the world views us.

wonderful lectures by Madden

This was a bit different from some of the lecture series by Prof. Madden, but as usual he delivers a winner. I was initially skeptical about his thesis, but as always right from the beginning enjoyed his erudite style. Over the course of the lecture series, he ended up convincing me. This one touches on a bit more modern politics than he usually does, but whatever your politics - and whether you are more interested in ancient or American history - this will be highly enjoyable.

I listen to Modern Scholar and Great Courses in the evening, and prefer lecturers who I find easy to listen to, aren't shouting, etc. Prof Madden always speaks as if he's sitting around a seminar table or other small lecture setting, and has a pleasant speaking voice.

An Important Historical Analysis

Thomas Madden is one of the most knowledgeable historians in the world. All of his lecture series combine a thorough knowledge of history with an explanation of how events are interrelated. I have listened to almost all of his lectures and this one on Empires of Trust is his ultimate work in which he has helped me understand how and why America operates in the world today. Madden is also a good story teller and that made listening to this very important lecture series not only informative but enjoyable.

Madden at his best

Where does The Modern Scholar rank among all the audiobooks you???ve listened to so far?

Straight to the point, if you are one of those