A pleasure to read...

It's always a concern how many stars to give a treasured work of history. This book is of course a history, but also a piece of history and as necessary in the milieu of the great works of western literature as any other work from the period. As such, I give it 5 starts, and on it's own merit it was a very enjoyable read.

Beginning with Julius Caesar and ending with the reign of Domitian, Suetonius tells a tale that includes all the victories, works and scandals of each of the emperors in turn. There is some question as to the reliability of some of his sources, as experts have learned, but I think that this in no way diminishes the text. Like with any history, several sources should be considered and Suetonius should be the first with Tacitus next and whatever you can find to follow, as this is truly a fascinating period in Western history.

18 les gens ont trouvé cela utile

Horrible narrator.

This book wasn’t for you, but who do you think might enjoy it more?

Someone who is not annoyed by the pompous narrator, who is American but tries to apparently tries to speak Queen's English.

What was most disappointing about Suetonius’s story?

Suetonius's work is supposed to be great, but I couldn't tell because the narrator made it painful to listento.

How did the narrator detract from the book?

He removed all quality and turned the experience into torture for my ears and brain. It's like having Niles Crane inside your head.

What reaction did this book spark in you? Anger, sadness, disappointment?

Disappointment.

Any additional comments?

STAY AWAY!

8 les gens ont trouvé cela utile

A very good listen

I really enjoyed this listen. I rarely listen to the same book twice but I will make an exception for this book!

6 les gens ont trouvé cela utile

Brilliant Narration, Great Insights

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes. Insight into the social and political order of the times, and insight into what shaped the psychology of these powerful yet flawed individuals. It's also a consistent reminder of how power corrupts.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Twelve Caesars?

Caligula and Nero are of course the most colorful and horrifying. Julius and Augustus are the only ones out of the 12 who seem to be essentially sane, within the context of their times. There is truly nothing new under the sun, and while technology and communications may evolve, the lessons for democracy are there for those who care to see them.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

I did

Any additional comments?

I cannot understand those who fault the narrator. Charlton Griffin has narrated an enormous number of classical works, and in my view is consistently brilliant. I have listened to literally hundreds of hours of his narration of various writings. His pacing, enunciation, and pronunciation of Greek, Latin, and other "foreign" languages is flawless. He is able to bring a sense of drama to what can be otherwise dull writing, and for me makes these ancient times and personalities come alive.

5 les gens ont trouvé cela utile

Just the gory details, please.

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I would recommend this audiobook to an ancient history or roman history buff.

Who was your favorite character and why?

I cannot say I had a favorite ceaser because I learned new or different facts/gossip about each. The author had a unique viewpoint of the 12 and it was interesting to compare, say, the history of Claudius to the work of Claudius translated by Robert Graves.

What about Charlton Griffin’s performance did you like?

His narration was adequate.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

I wanted to listen to this in parts rather than try to take it all in at one listen. Some stories were a little juicier than others and I wanted to listen to them more than once.

5 les gens ont trouvé cela utile

Brilliant performance

Outstanding reading of a classic; thoroughly engaging. I found myself listening several times over to key parts. Highly recommended.

4 les gens ont trouvé cela utile

this is awful

What disappointed you about The Twelve Caesars?

it is the worst audible item I have ordered and was a total waste of a credit. I have many, many audible books and if I could return this item I would cheerfully do so. It is boring, a cure for insomnia and not a good representative of Audible. The reader has no inflection and is almost a one tone reader.

What do you think your next listen will be?

Maybe nothing I may cancel membership and go back to the library which is free.

What didn’t you like about Charlton Griffin’s performance?

Absolutely everything

You didn’t love this book... but did it have any redeeming qualities?

No

Any additional comments?

I want a free credit to order another book

4 les gens ont trouvé cela utile

Horrible Reader.Great Content

Never much liked the Romans of old. Having listened to 'Lustrum', I was interested to learn more. This is a source. I have listened a few times already. Charlton Griffin is not easy on the ear. So it took a few tries to actually hear the content.
One of the things I like, is that in spite of the years and that this is a translation, and it is gossipy, is that Suetonius is almost like a neighbour telling me a story over the fence.

4 les gens ont trouvé cela utile

Impossible to follow along

It’s nearly impossible to follow along. The book goes from chapter to chapter (Caesar to Caesar) without any clear understanding of which Caesar is being discussed. It might mention the Caesar once at the beginning of the chapter, but all references thereafter are “he”. You literally have no clue who is being referred. Unfortunately the chapter guide doesnt offer any help either because those are blank. Even googling the chapter your on to find the book chapter isn’t helpful, because the audiobook chapters don’t follow the book chapters.

3 les gens ont trouvé cela utile

Excellent

Well done. I only wish it was easier to navigate between chapters. Twelve biographies divided only into two sections makes jumping around difficult.

3 les gens ont trouvé cela utile