Scipio Africanus

Greater Than Napoleon

By: B.H. Liddell Hart

Narrated by: Derek Perkins

Length: 6 hrs and 16 mins

Publisher's Summary

From one of the most brilliant military historians of our time, this is the classic biography of Rome's greatest general and the victor over Rome's greatest enemy, Hannibal.  

Scipio Africanus (236-183 BC) was one of the most exciting and dynamic leaders in history. As commander, he never lost a battle. Yet it is his adversary, Hannibal, who has lived on in public memory. As B. H. Liddell Hart writes, "Scipio's battles are richer in stratagems and ruses - many still feasible today - than those of any other commander in history." Any military enthusiast or historian will find this to be an absorbing, gripping portrait.

©2004 The Executors of Lady Liddell Hart, deceased (P)2019 Tantor

Excellent performance of a tough script.

I find military books especially hard to narrate effectively, especially those that deal with the ancients. There is usually no dialogue to punctuate the narrative and the speaker is always in danger of falling into a sing-song rhythm that lulls the listener to sleep. However, Derek Perkins excels in this book, with beautifully enunciated paragraphs that call to mind a Shakespearean history play. He’s such a pleasure to the attentive ear—especially here, as his vocal instrument rings out with B. H. Liddell Hart’s crisp prose. Highly recommended.

I only wish that maps had accompanied this wonderful vocal performance, the better to lead me around the battlefields and countryside.

Great book about a great man

This book is well researched, well written and well narrated. It is the story of perhaps the greatest general of all time and a man of humility, generosity, and honor -- one of Rome's finest citizens. The author finishes with a flurry, comparing Scipio Africanus' generalship to Napoleon, Caesar, and Hannibal - pretty lofty company. His analytical accounts of all of Scipio's battles are the highlight of the book. This is an outstanding listen for anyone with an interest in ancient history, particularly ancient military history. Kudos to Mr. Perkins for an excellent read.

Great insight into an often overlooked genius.

Author has some very interesting points about the life of true military genius from the ancient world.

Not to be missed

I’ve read through a lot of the broader histories of Rome, and having just finished Adrian Goldsworthy’s “The Fall of Carthage” this was the perfect follow up on the most interesting period of the Punic Wars and its most leading figure.

While the author is undoubtedly biased about his opinion of Scipio, treating him as a few centuries earlier version of Marcus Aurelius it seems, it’s hard to not share the opinion, biased or not.

Sharing the same great narrator as Goldsworthy’s books creates a great sense on continuity while diving deeper into the specifics of what made Scipio Africanus, as the author argues, worth remembering with (if not surpassing) the other great military commanders of history.

A must buy for Military and Civilian leadership

Great book that highhights the importance of politics, strategy and tactics that are still applicable today. A must buy.

fanominal

a wonderful, detailed look at one if the greatest men to have lived. full of great depictions of the battles fought in the second punic wars, and of the man himself. a must read for roman lovers

Greater than Alexander

Liddell Hart gives an insightful look into one of history’s greatest generals. While Scipio is not Rome’s founder, he is arguably the man most responsible for the founding of her empire. Beyond tactics and strategy, it is Scipio’s wisdom and discernment that shine throughout this book.

Derek Perkins performs this book well

Derek Perkins’s voice is well modulated for this book, but his voice is so for every book he narrates, and he lends his warm, baritone, classic British voice that makes it easy to listen to the book, and give the book the seal of good taste and a certain amount of credibility. Perkins is one of my favorites narrators.

Very Scholarly

This was an interesting tale of Scipio. I knew nothing of him so this was a good introduction.

Must read

This should be required reading for anyone in leadership, whether business or military the lessons are invaluable.