Augustus

Everitt, Anthony

ISBN 10: 1428101918 ISBN 13: 9781428101913

Publisher: Recorded Books, 2006

Synopsis

He found Rome made of clay and left it made of marble. As Rome's first emperor, Augustus transformed the unruly Republic into the greatest empire the world had ever seen. His consolidation and expansion of Roman power two thousand years ago laid the foundations, for all of Western history to follow. Yet, despite Augustus's accomplishments, very few biographers have concentrated on the man himself, instead choosing to chronicle the age in which he lived. Here, Anthony Everitt, the bestselling author of Cicero, gives a spellbinding and intimate account of his illustrious subject. Augustus began his career as an inexperienced teenager plucked from his studies to take center stage in the drama of Roman politics, assisted by two school friends, Agrippa and Maecenas. Augustus's rise to power began with the assassination of his great-uncle and adoptive father, Julius Caesar, and culminated in the titanic duel with Mark Antony and Cleopatra. The world that made Augustus-and that he himself later remade-was driven by intrigue, sex, ceremony, violence, scandal, and naked ambition. Everitt has taken some of the household names of history-Caesar, Brutus, Cassius, Antony, Cleopatra-whom few know the full truth about, and turned them into flesh-and-blood human beings. At a time when many consider America an empire, this stunning portrait of the greatest emperor who ever lived makes for enlightening and engrossing reading. Everitt brings to life the world of a giant, rendered faithfully and sympathetically in human scale. A study of power and political genius, Augustus is a vivid, compelling biography of one of the most important rulers in history.

About this title

Reviews

The Roman Empire, with all its violence, greed, debauchery, and heroics, is depicted in this story of Augustus, adopted son of Julius Caesar, and heir to the throne. Augustus's rise to power is brought to life by John Curless's even narration. At first, the subject matter and Curless's British accent contribute to a slightly pedantic tone. As the story unfolds, however, Curless hits his stride, and the pace picks up, engaging the listener as Curless gives the characters personality and presence. He does an excellent job pronouncing the Latin names and infuses the story with continuity even though it is not strictly linear in structure. This production offers an enlightening listening experience. M.H.N. © AudioFile 2007, Portland, Maine-- Copyright © AudioFile, Portland, Maine

Edition details

• Publisher: Recorded Books
• Publication date: 2006
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1428101918
• ISBN 13: 9781428101913
• Binding: Audio CD
• Number of pages: 15