In the Name of Rome: The Men Who Won the Roman Empire

by Adrian Goldsworthy Narrated by Derek Perkins

Overview

Adrian Goldsworthy has received wide acclaim for his exceptional writing on the Roman Empire-including high praise from the acclaimed military historian and author John Keegan-and here he offers a new perspective on the Empire by focusing on its greatest generals, including Scipio Africanus, Marius, Pompey, Caesar, and Titus. Each chapter paints a fascinating portrait of a single general, offering in-depth insight into his leadership skills and victories, as well as each one's pioneering strategies, many of which are still used today. In the process, this absorbing, accessible history tells the complete story of Roman warfare, from the bitter struggle with Carthage in the 3rd century BC to the last desperate attempt to win back the Western Empire in the 6th century AD.

Editorial Reviews

Spectator - Allan Massie

Absorbing. The best book I know on the Roman army and its commanders.”—Allan Massie, Spectator

From the Publisher

"Narrator Derek Perkins does a solid and engaging job." ---Library Journal Audio Review

Library Journal - Audio

05/01/2016
Classicist and military historian Goldsworthy (Augustus) undertakes an exhaustive review of the growth, conquests, and eventual decline of the Roman Empire through a series of biographical sketches of its notable generals from Scipio Africanus in the third century BCE through Julius Caesar and up to Belisarius in the sixth century CE. Scrupulously attending to primary sources including Livy, Tacitus, Appian, and Dio, while correlating these with epigraphic and numismatic evidence, Goldsworthy takes pains to separate historical fact from imperial propaganda. Through his examination of the organization and tactics of the Roman military as it evolved from a citizen militia into a mercenary strike force, he hints at one of the key causes of Rome's success and of its undoing. Narrator Derek Perkins does a solid and engaging job. VERDICT While occasionally a bit slow owing to the author's overreliance on extended quotes from his ancient sources, the book will be much appreciated by students of classical and military history.—Forrest Link, Coll. of New Jersey, Ewing Twp.

OCTOBER 2016 - AudioFile

Goldsworthy’s military history of Rome, focusing on its generals during roughly 700 years of major campaigns and battles, is clearly and succinctly told. It’s lean yet informative and entertaining, and Derek Perkins brings all out all its virtues. His narration is quick moving and clear, his manner unpretentious. He brings out the sense of the text with tact and intelligence. His strong voice and crisp British accent, his brisk but comfortable pace, and his seriousness of manner fit the material and the writing: This is a popular but serious book about stern topics. Perkins sounds like an expert who is explaining the subject matter to a small group of listeners. Anyone interested in this subject will be pleased by this fine program. W.M. © AudioFile 2016, Portland, Maine

Product Details

BN ID:	2940171152062
Publisher:	Tantor Audio
Publication date:	02/23/2016
Edition description:	Unabridged

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