The Ides

Caesar’s Murder and the War for Rome

By: Stephen Dando-Collins

Narrated by: Bronson Pinchot

The assassination of Julius Caesar is one of the most notorious murders in history. Even now, many questions remain about his death: Was Brutus the hero and Caesar the villain? Was Mark Antony aware of the plot? Using historical evidence to sort out these and other puzzling issues, historian and award-winning author Stephen Dando-Collins recaptures the drama of Caesar's demise and the chaotic aftermath as the vicious struggle unfolded for power between Antony and Octavian.

For the first time, he shows how the religious festivals and customs of the day impacted how the assassination plot unfolded and how the murder was almost avoided at the last moment. A compelling history packed with intrigue and written with the pacing of a first-rate mystery, The Ides will challenge what we think we know about Julius Caesar and the Roman Empire.

©2010 Stephen Dando-Collins (P)2010 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Critic reviews

“A page-turner of a history….The dramatic story examines the roles of soldiers, politicians, philosophers, wives, and mistresses.” ( Publishers Weekly)

“Recommended for all readers seeking a lively introduction to a turning point in Roman history.” ( Library Journal)

A must read

Would you listen to The Ides again? Why?

One of the greatest stories in history is accounted by Mr Dando-Collins. He takes the reader through the twists and turns of politics and of Roman life during the time of Caesar.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Ides?

It's impossible to select just one part over another. The end of each chapter had an ominous statement that enticed me to read on.

Have you listened to any of Bronson Pinchot’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No, this is my first. But I rather enjoyed it.

Any additional comments?

My education into history goes no further than anyone's who did not choose this course of study as a major or minor in college. Mine is just a laypersons review. I enjoyed the book a great deal. As for it's accuracy and appeal to historians or those better educated than me, I cannot say. I do think that it's style would appeal to all. Especially those who, like me, enjoy the authors style of leading the reader as if by hand through the scenes he creates.

Bravo

I actually listened to this entire book in two settings. The reading was both excellent and pleasing to the ears. The content captivated me from start to finish as the author took me into the halls of power of ancient Rome and the intrigues of it's leading citizens. You won't be disappointed with this book even if you're an amateur scholar like me when it comes to classical lives. Enjoy!

A great listen

Week-by-week and sometimes even day-by-day account of the events leading up to the assassination of Julius Caesar; and the sad, violent unwinding of its aftermath. It's a gripping story, perfect background for either Shakespeare's "Julius Caesar" or the HBO series "Rome." Being mostly familiar with the story from Shakespeare's standpoint, I was surprised at how much of the aftermath the play left out: it jumps almost immediately from the assassination to the cynical plotting of the second triumvirate and the war with Brutus and Cassius. In fact it took months of politicking for this to play itself out. Read with enthusiasm and clarity by Bronson Pinchot. I liked it a lot. What I really want now is more info on the FIRST triumvirate.

Informative

it was a good listen and at a good pace. The book it self is very informative and researched well. Overall, a very good book.

Excellent Historical Survey

This title came to my attention while listening to the excellent podcast, "The History of Rome." This is a fine & concise primer that gives the listener an overview of the issues & men surrounding Caesar's assasination. It is rich in facts & tidbits and I learned much that I hadn't heard or read before. The author spends a lot of time leading his listeners to that fateful day in March, but then seems to rush a bit towards the end as he reports on the fate of the participants in the murder. After listening to this book I suggest you then download, "Augustus: The Life of the First Emperor."