SPQR A History of Ancient Rome

Phyllida Nash, an actor of prominence in the UK, has a strong, cultured voice that works well with this engaging history of the first millennium of Roman civilization. Historical details cover a broad range—from the founding of Rome to the broad grants of Roman citizenship and the residents of the empire in the third century CE. Beard’s accounts are comprehensive and refreshingly honest about the relationship between available sources and our understanding of historical events. Her use of Latin is illuminating. Nash has more experience narrating fiction than history and sometimes finds it difficult to find a place to breathe in Beard’s long, erudite sentences. However, her pace and tone are excellent. An excellent performance of an important book. F.C. © AudioFile 2016, Portland, Maine [Published: JANUARY 2016]