Caesar!

by Mike Walker, Andrew Garfield (Narrator), Anton Lesser (Narrator)

Drawing on historical sources including Suetonius' Lives of the Caesars, Mike Walker's compelling drama cycle follows the story of the leaders of Rome from Julius Caesar's ascension to power to the collapse of the Roman Empire in the West in AD 475.

Meeting at Formiae - Julius Caesar secretly seeks senate leaders Cicero and Cato's support to shake up the rule of Rome.

The Arena - As Julius' appointed heir, young Octavian uses his legendary political skills to outwit enemies and rule Rome.

Peeling Figs for Julius - His name is now a byword for depravity, but growing up in Tiberius' court, how evil was Emperor Caligula?

The Best of Mothers - The murderous tale of Emperor Nero and his interfering mother, Agrippina.

The Glass Ball Game - The story of Emperor Hadrian and his relationship with Antinous, who died under mysterious circumstances.

Citizens in a Great City - Young Commodus buckles under the expectations of his father, the philosopher/emperor Marcus Aurelius. And Septimius Severus is called on the to save the Empire from anarchy.

Empress in the West - As the Roman Empire begins to fall apart, Victoria Poppea sees an opportunity to wield the power that her gender has always denied her.

The Maker of All Things - Constantine and Crispus are father and son - but can this indivisible bond survive politics?

Empire Without End - With the Empire in the West under attack from Attila the Hun's forces, an unlikely coalition of kingmakers selects the last Roman emperor.

Running Time ➼ 8hrs. and 30mins.

©2020 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (P)2020 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd

Genres: Audiobook, Historical Fiction, Ancient

9 pages, Audible Audio

First published February 20, 2020

About the author

Mike Walker is an award-winning dramatist, as well the author of several books for adults. He traveled extensively abroad, particularly in the region around the eastern Indian Ocean, although he is now living in the UK. BAD COMPANY is his first children’s book.

Reviews

[Mahsa Mohammadi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Did give a good overall story of the Roman Emperors. Mostly enjoyed the psychological aspect of it, i.e. going through characters thoughts, fears and their motivation. The cast performance was great!

[BookCrazy · Rating 5 out of 5]

To quote from the Audible summary "Mike Walker’s compelling drama cycle follows the story of the leaders of Rome, from Julius Caesar’s ascension to power to the collapse of the Roman Empire in the West in AD 475".

This was a really well done walk through of a number of the Caesars. I found myself reading other summary sources while listening to one superb reader after another bring to life this significant part of Roman History. I found myself adding books on Roman History for my next library visit.

I have to admit that I decided to purchase this because 3 or my very favorite voices were part of the project: Anton Lesser, David Tennant, and Tom Hiddleston. These 3 could read anything and I would listen (I also watch everything they're in as they can ACT!). I learned something! while enjoying excellent radio productions.

Is the history presented completely accurate? Probably not, as not much is known about some of the Caesars, such as Romulus Augustus. However, based on what is known of this period in history, the overall tone of the stories and the major facts are correct.

I'll be looking for more of these productions for future listening.

[Jennifer Ritchie]

I love Roman history, and the list of actors was impressive. But I got tired of all the whiny female characters. There shouldn’t be that many female characters in a Roman history drama in the first place, if you ask me, especially if all you can have them do is sit around complaining about the men.

[Bre Kv · Rating 5 out of 5]

Truly only listening to this for the marvel men (Andrew Garfield, Tom Hiddleston and David Tennant)

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent cast performances. Nice listen.

[paula · Rating 3 out of 5]

i’ll be honest i only read this book to know more lore about julius caeser so i can keep up with grace yurchuks musical 😭😭😭 and let’s just say the book didn’t give me much to work with 😭😭😭😭

[Ranjani Sheshadri · Rating 5 out of 5]

EXTRAORDINARILY crafted. A tremendous cast of actors (Anton Lesser, Helen McCrory (<3), David Tennant, Tom Hiddleston among them). All in all, an extremely clever imagining of the machinations of the Roman Empire, rendered in personal, psychological detail for a modern audience.