Caesar

Life of a Colossus

By: Adrian Goldsworthy

Narrated by: Derek Perkins

Length: 24 hrs and 46 mins

Publisher's summary

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

Critic reviews

"More compellingly than most biographies, Goldsworthy's exhaustive, lucid, elegantly written life makes its subject the embodiment of his age." ( Publishers Weekly)

"Via Mea"

I trust Google translated "My Way" correctly the way, with the Sinatran vibe it connotes. I think a very even-handed look at an historical figure who's often been characterized as a power-hungry madman, setting the record straight on his case against the aristocrats of Rome. Goldsworthy paints a vivid picture of Roman political life circa 1st century BCE, how it sat on a figurative powder keg bound to be lit by any number of cravenly ambitious men, and how the events of 49 BCE conspired to make Caesar the one who crosses the Rubicon. The book also excellently portrays Caesar's generation of peers coming of age during the Social Wars, the bloody Sullan/Marian civil wars and Spartacus' uprising, when many of the Republic's ancient checks and balances were irreparably damaged. No surprise many saw use of violent force the only way to power while others, haunted by the Sullan/Marian dictatorships' recurrence, doubled down on stamping out any attempt at one man gaining special powers at the expense of the public good.

My only complaint (and this is due to my own laziness) is the middle third's concentration on the Gallic Wars. All those tribe names begin to sound the same after awhile and there's lots of talk about building camp and gathering supplies. I'm nitpicking really, b/c the Gallic campaigns are what forged Caesar the military genius- gave him his connection to his legions and in the process merely changed the couse of Western European history forever.

Derek Perkins narration is superb. Adrian Goldworthy's writing and research are superb.

Hail Imperator!

Insightful and refreshing

An excellent treatment of Caesar, the world he lived in, and how he came to power. This puts Caesar in the context of waning days of the Republic, and situates him in pre-dawn of the Imperial era. Although Goldsworthy is clearly biased toward his subject, he argues his points well when grappling with questions and controversies raised by other scholars. I learned a lot--and really enjoyed it in the process.

adrian goldsworthy is great on roman history

Would you listen to Caesar again? Why?

I am in the middle of it..but thought I would write a review of it early.(as it is a real pleasure to listen to )

What was one of the most memorable moments of Caesar?

I am sure there are more...but his becoming Caesar I am sure are one of them!

Which character – as performed by Derek Perkins – was your favorite?

Caesar himself

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

not sure on that one

Any additional comments?

Great book..highly recommend. as the writer is obviously devoted to the subject of Roman history with his other very good books on Roman history.

A very thorough view at Caesar's life and times.

As someone who was vaguely familiar with Rome's general history, this book helped me grasp it's intricacies and the very important role Caesar played in it. Also loved Derek Perkins' narrative style, I recommend "Sapiens" which he also narrated.

Solid writing with exceptional narration

The story of Gaius Julius Caesar is a contentious one, but one made more palpable by the writing of this author. It was a bit short, considering his drama filled life, but I will say that it leaves you with nothing to be desired. The narrator does a great job at adding to the drama of the story. Overall a fantastic work that would recommend to anyone.

Adrian and Derek, a match made in Roma

I love listening to Derek. Adrian is a great writer who knows his stuff about Rome.

great story on the complete life of ceaser

this book is well researched, well written and well told. It traces Ceasars life from birth to death with a weth of information about life in Rome and all the other important people during that time. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Most fascinating historical figure ever

Excellent treatment: right balance between academic seriousness and accessibility of the story for the non specialist listener.

informative

it can be difficult to complete a history of ancient battles. The author addresses them effectively, displays personality traits well and brings Caesar to life as well as can be. most importantly to me, when insufficient information exited to draw effective conclusions, the author simply says so. this gives you faith that facts are not created out of whole cloth.

Brilliant and Generous

Dr. Goldsworthy 's historical presentation and research is outstanding. He reveals all that is known of the historical facts, offers his assessment regarding probabilities of their accuracy (or lack there of) and then offers his considerable judgement as to the veracity of hundreds if not thousands of details. This is exactly what I enjoyed so much about his writing style. He shares his knowledge with the reader and allows space to make your own conclusions in the light of his own.
I have found this to be true of his book on Augustus as well.
Both are exceptional and not to be missed.
The narrator was loud and clear.