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Caesar

Life of a Colossus

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Caesar

Written by: Adrian Goldsworthy
Narrated by: Derek Perkins
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About this listen

Tracing the extraordinary trajectory of Julius Caesar's life, Adrian Goldsworthy covers not only the great Roman emperor's accomplishments as charismatic orator, conquering general, and powerful dictator but also lesser-known chapters. Ultimately, Goldsworthy realizes the full complexity of Caesar's character and shows why his political and military leadership continues to resonate some 2,000 years later. In this landmark biography, Goldsworthy examines Caesar as a military leader, as well as his other roles, and places his subject firmly within the context of Roman society in the first century B.C.

©2006 Adrian Goldsworthy (P)2014 Tantor Ancient Europe Historical Political Science Politics & Activism Politics & Government Rome Royalty Italy Military

What the critics say

"More compellingly than most biographies, Goldsworthy's exhaustive, lucid, elegantly written life makes its subject the embodiment of his age." ( Publishers Weekly)
All stars
Most relevant  
Brilliantly written.
Expertly narrated.
Would highly recommend this to anyone with an interest in history. Cesar's influence on all aspects of history and warfare make this a must read.

5 stars

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Of Rome or Ceasar is of any interest to you, you will do well to consume this book. There is a reason folks like Dan Carlin and Mike Duncan recommend this solid historian. And, Derek Perkins is as solid as they come in narration.
Enjoy fellow denizens

A must read/listen

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Well written and researched. Only one nit pick that due to the many different sources and centuries that have passed there was a lot of "we can only assume, the sources are not clear etc.

A modern look at Caesar

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Excellent performance, timeless story and, a telling that will stand the test of time. Highly recommended.

Excellent performance, timeless story.

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You are forgiven if you feel like giving up after the first few chapters of this book. Part I focusses on Gaius Julius Caesar's burgeoning political career - taking advantage of his equestrian/patrician familial influence to advance as a Senator, then Pro-consul, then Consul.. maneuvering and forming/dissolving alliances for personal advancement and gaining power (e.g. establishing 'The Triumvirate').. and getting himself appointed Pontifex Maximus so that he can put the weight of "The will of The Gods" behind his assertions. His speeches during the Catalinarian Conspiracy; manipulation of figures like Cato The Younger, Cicero, Crassus, and Pompey; and proposed agrarian laws dominate the first part of the author's treatise. It gets pretty boring.
Fortunately, the book improves. Once Caesar leaves Rome and sets off on his military career (the Gallic Wars in particular), the book becomes much more interesting to guys just fascinated by History like me. His eventual triggering of a massive Civil War, scandalous affair with the Egyptian Queen Cleopatra, elimination of the Republic and establishment of a line of Emperors (dictators), and dramatic assassination transform Julius Caesar from an unusually ambitious politician into a genuinely legendary historical figure (worthy of a Shakespeare play).
As to style: Adrian Goldsworthy adheres to what can be authenticated.. lamenting where the sources are inadequate and pointing out where ulterior motives & biases colored perceptions (the book is incredibly intellectually honest) - but also inserts oddly-placed editorial commentaries (where he pronounces his opinions with eulogy-worthy "sincerity").. while also somehow managing to make brilliant tactics/strategies during battles & wars sound mundane.

Fortuitously for audiobook listeners: Derek Perkins exhibits a great - if imperfect- reading performance. This book is very long and often vision-blurring tedious.. but Perkins adds a commendably consistent interested tone to spot-on diction, timbre, and cadence. His one deficiency is notably weak voice-acting when called on to deliver quotes.

'Caesar' rates a reasonable 7 stars out of 10. Unfortunately, it's a little bit too academic for a general audience and a little bit too opinionated for a scholarly audience (Goldsworthy isn't great at walking that particular line). I was pleased to get the book as part of the 'Plus' catalog, however.. I'm just recommending that you keep browsing if they ask for a Credit.

Quality Biography. Keep At It.

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such a great book, would highly recommend to everyone. Caesar did nothing wrong. Roma Invicta

Great book

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the book does a great job of representing the facts and making the story very exciting without being biased. Derek Perkins also does a great job narrating as always.

one of the best books I've ever read

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Excellent audiobook, I will definitely recommend it , so much information, thank you very much for the great audiobook.

Great audio book

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hunker in. this is a very detailed ans well written book. I would recommend it if you love history.

very detailed and well written

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