Listen free for 30 days

  • Hero of Two Worlds

  • The Marquis de Lafayette in the Age of Revolution
  • Written by: Mike Duncan
  • Narrated by: Mike Duncan
  • Length: 17 hrs and 20 mins
  • 4.9 out of 5 stars (212 ratings)

1 credit a month, good for any title to download and keep.
The Plus Catalogue—listen all you want to thousands of Audible Originals, podcasts, and audiobooks.
$14.95 a month plus applicable taxes after 30 day trial. Cancel anytime.
Hero of Two Worlds cover art

Hero of Two Worlds

Written by: Mike Duncan
Narrated by: Mike Duncan
Try for $0.00

$14.95 a month after 30 days. Cancel anytime.

Buy Now for $55.75

Buy Now for $55.75

Pay using card ending in
By confirming your purchase, you agree to Audible's Conditions of Use and Amazon's Privacy Notice. Tax where applicable.

Publisher's Summary

From the best-selling author of The Storm Before the Storm and host of the Revolutions podcast comes the thrilling story of the Marquis de Lafayette’s lifelong quest to defend the principles of liberty and equality.

Few in history can match the revolutionary career of the Marquis de Lafayette. Over 50 incredible years at the heart of the Age of Revolution, he fought courageously on both sides of the Atlantic. He was a soldier, statesman, idealist, philanthropist, and abolitionist.

As a teenager, Lafayette ran away from France to join the American Revolution. Returning home a national hero, he helped launch the French Revolution, eventually spending five years locked in dungeon prisons. After his release, Lafayette sparred with Napoleon, joined an underground conspiracy to overthrow King Louis XVIII, and became an international symbol of liberty. Finally, as a revered elder statesman, he was instrumental in the overthrow of the Bourbon Dynasty in the Revolution of 1830.

From enthusiastic youth to world-weary old age, from the pinnacle of glory to the depths of despair, Lafayette never stopped fighting for the rights of all mankind. His remarkable life is the story of where we come from and an inspiration to defend the ideals he held dear. 

©2021 Mike Duncan (P)2021 PublicAffairs
  • Unabridged Audiobook
  • Categories: History

What the critics say

“Comprehensive and accessible.... Duncan marshals a wealth of information into a crisp and readable narrative. This sympathetic portrait illuminates the complexities of Lafayette and his revolutionary era.” (Publishers Weekly)

"Mike Duncan's ability to weave a rich and compelling story is on full display in Hero of Two Worlds. He takes the reader on a gripping roller-coaster ride that follows the Marquis de Lafayette's fortunes through decades of victory, defeat, and revolution on two continents.... Duncan has an exceptional eye for both human potential and human fallibility, grasping the qualities that make figures like Lafayette real, three-dimensional people, simultaneously victims of circumstance and active participants driving forward the course of history. Hero of Two Worlds is biography and narrative at its best, an informative page-turner crafted by a master of historical storytelling." (Patrick Wyman, creator of Tides of History and author of The Verge: Reformation, Renaissance, and Forty Years That Shook the World)

"I first learned of Mike Duncan's work when a prominent politician told me he'd been addicted to his podcast on the French Revolution, and found it startlingly relevant in 2021. Duncan's work is a reminder that history can also be a gripping yarn full of compelling characters, and in Hero of Two Worlds he brings alive one of the great characters of American history." (Ben Smith, New York Times)

More from the same

What listeners say about Hero of Two Worlds

Average Customer Ratings
Overall
  • 5 out of 5 stars
  • 5 Stars
    199
  • 4 Stars
    12
  • 3 Stars
    1
  • 2 Stars
    0
  • 1 Stars
    0
Performance
  • 5 out of 5 stars
  • 5 Stars
    183
  • 4 Stars
    9
  • 3 Stars
    1
  • 2 Stars
    1
  • 1 Stars
    0
Story
  • 5 out of 5 stars
  • 5 Stars
    183
  • 4 Stars
    11
  • 3 Stars
    0
  • 2 Stars
    0
  • 1 Stars
    0

Reviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.

Sort by:
Filter by:
  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Wonderful great man!

Wonderful and a great man, loved this book. Would recommend highly to any lover of freedom

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

The Real World Baron Munchausen

...as opposed to the real-real Munchausen, who inspired the literary version with his tall tales of his exploits. Early in the American Revolution portion of the biography, I thought perhaps Lafayette was an exaggeration, but he continued to grow in stature until he became hated in France for his imperturbable principles, then loved again as he approached his end and AGAIN was at the centre of events. Had he been so inclined, he was offered France at least twice after revolutionary depositions of unpopular leaders. very well told, and I've added a couple other Mike Duncan books to my Wish List.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars
  • SR
  • 2023-07-22

Excellent performance of a balanced biography

An excellent deep dive into a compelling and important historical figure. Very well written and narrated with a balanced perspective on a complicated man.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

loved the book, everything I hoped for and more

I found out who the marquee was through the podcast and wanted to know more about a man who lived such an interesting life and played a role in three major revolutions, I am so glad you wrote this!

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Incredible research and storytelling of Lafayette

To tell the history of Lafayette required the best of history podcaster Mike Duncan. I strongly recommend!

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Well written, and well told.

Easy to listen to and understand, the author keeps the reader engaged throughout. I would recommend this book to anyone interested not only in French or American history but to world history in general.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Terrific book, terrific narration

Not a huge fan of American history, but quite interested in the French Revolution. Didn’t know much about Lafayette but thoroughly enjoyed this book from start to end

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Another great Mike Duncan book!

Enjoyed this book as much as I did the Storm before the Storm and the History of Rome podcast. Before this book I was unfamiliar with the Marquis de Lafayette. After finishing I'm amazed I hadn't heard the name given his role and relationship with the US revolution and its key players. The book highlights the revolutionary fervour of the time and stands to place the current political environment of the west in the greater context of revolutionary history.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Life changing.

I live in a sovereign nation where I can affect change on the government and policies. this book illuminated that for me.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Like the revolutions podcasts

If you love the revolutions podcasts or the history of Rome podcasts you will love this book.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Sort by:
Filter by:
  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars
Profile Image for Byron
  • Byron
  • 2021-08-24

Thrillingly storytelling — brilliant narration

This is just great. Mike Duncan really knows how to assemble a compelling story and with Lafayette he has an amazing subject with which to work. All listeners of The History of Rome and Revolutions podcasts — as well as readers of The Storm Before The Storm — know the joy of Mike Duncan guiding them through epic, operatic moments in western history. Mike Duncan has reintroduced the Marquis de Lafayette for a whole new generation, bringing him to life with all his passions, contradictions and hypocrisies as the implacable Hero of Two Worlds.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

14 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars
Profile Image for Bill
  • Bill
  • 2021-08-25

Brillian Analysis. Brilliant Performance

Mike Duncan is the best there is at what he does. Nobody writes better history. Nobody reads that history out loud better.

Hearing an author who can perform their own book so well is a rare treat. If this is your first Mike Duncan book, you are in for a great time!

This time, Duncan focuses his talents on the Marquis de Lafayette (yes, the same guy from the Broadway show, Hamilton). Lafayette was a pivotal figure in the American AND French Revolutions, not to mention several later revolutions. Lafayette had one of the most storied lives in history, being close friends with George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Alexander Hamton, James Madison, nearly every king and Queen of France in his lifetime, and most leaders of the French Revolution. His personal relationship with so many historical figures makes this book a sweeping history lesson, as well as an exciting adventure. He is also notable for being so ahead of his time in his worldviews, a man born to an aristocratic family, under a king and queen, who devoted his life to freedom, pushing both to advance democracy AND to end slavery, putting him well ahead of even his American friends.

Great man. Great Book. Fun to listen to.

Buy it! Buy it now!
You won't regret it.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

10 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars
Profile Image for D. Littman
  • D. Littman
  • 2021-09-04

Simply outstanding

One of the best nonfiction audiobooks I’ve listened to in years. No surprise to me since I’ve been listening to the author’s outstanding podcast for years. This is laser focused on Lafayette narrative history with great narrative drive. It would help the reader to have some context about French political & economic history, but that is not necessary to enjoy & to learn much from this book.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

7 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    2 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    1 out of 5 stars
Profile Image for Michael McDonald
  • Michael McDonald
  • 2022-02-01

Duncan is Duncan

Duncan is a great narrator and mostly a good storyteller. His constant need to moralize and place a 2021 world view on a man living 200-250 years ago says a lot about him.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

6 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars
Profile Image for Anonymous User
  • Anonymous User
  • 2021-08-31

Excellent

A very well-told account of a fascinating life, near unreal in its grand scope

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

3 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars
Profile Image for Caitlin Durkin
  • Caitlin Durkin
  • 2021-09-03

Fantastic

Mike Duncan tells an amazing story about one of the most important people in American and French history. The story is well written and keep you listening. Amazingly, it isn't romanticized. It shows that Lafayette's life and choices were not all prefect by modern standards. But his character is extremely strong and regrets difficult choices he would rather have not made. Highly recommend.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

2 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars
Profile Image for crimsoncat
  • crimsoncat
  • 2021-08-30

Fantastically told story packed with good info

An entertaining biography from history that I found myself constantly finding time and reasons to listen more to. The writing isn't at all bogged down by stuffy detail or dry fact listing, instead weaves the historical accounts into a narrative that is easily followed along and the important details more memorable in the mind.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

2 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars
Profile Image for Carmel Suttor
  • Carmel Suttor
  • 2022-11-19

Beautifully written

Mike Duncan tells a complex story in a compelling and page-turning way. His book is full of insights into human nature as he brings the revered figures of history into vivid life. He tells the story of the Marquis de Lafayette with great compassion for his subject, without ever straying into hero worship. His reading in the audio book highlights the humor and the clarity of the writing.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars
Profile Image for Michael
  • Michael
  • 2022-11-06

A brilliant and inspirational biography about a brilliant and inspiring man.

Super well written and great care. Highly recommend.

Mike Duncan presents his work beautifully.

Lafayette steady and enduring principles on the rights of all people is a great reminder of what we should aspire to. In this biography he is represented as a man who stood his ground no matter what. He threaded the needed in battles and politics and stood firm to his beliefs to the end. None of his critics have any right to diminish him, that is because none of them experienced anything close the trails or successes he did.


Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars
Profile Image for Michael P. Voigt
  • Michael P. Voigt
  • 2022-08-04

Lafayette a name I knew but now will not forget

Loved the book, loved that Mike Duncan was able to read his own work. Simply wonderful description of the life of Lafayette.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

1 person found this helpful

Sort by:
Filter by:
  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars
Profile Image for Samuel Tunnell
  • Samuel Tunnell
  • 2021-10-16

Absolutely brilliant telling of a fascinating life

I had caught glimpses of the exciting life that the Marquis de Lafayette had led through school and some previous history podcasts, but I was delighted to discover, through Mike Duncan's expertly crafted yet balanced telling of the story, how great a man the Marquis truly was. This is a true achievement for Duncan, as in addition to the actions of the protagonist being epic and inspiring, the author's telling is a treat in and of itself, both in prose and in narration.
If you have even a passing interest in the period, I highly recommend the book!

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars
Profile Image for PilouAsbek14
  • PilouAsbek14
  • 2021-09-06

Une histoire de révolutionS

Mike Duncan reprend les grandes lignes de son podcast Révolutions en nous narrant le rôle du héro des deux mondes dans la guerre d’indépendance américaine, la révolution française et les trois glorieuses. A ecouter

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

1 person found this helpful

.