Charlton Griffin has narrated 72 audiobooks on Listento.it by 51 authors, with an average listener rating of 4.7★ across 434 ratings. The most-rated is The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire.
The Complete Works of Tacitus: Volume 2: The Annals, Part 2
Summary
The Annals, Part 2 picks up in the year A.D. 32 with the increasingly menacing and tyrannical behavior of Tiberius. With hundreds murdered or driven to suicide and many more in exile, Tiberius descends steadily into growing lust and debauchery on his private estate on the isle of Capri. Overseas, Rome is victorious in her struggle with Parthia, and as Tiberius is being smothered to death in A.D. 37 by Macro, peace at last comes to the eastern frontier. The events of the year A.D. 47 open with Claudius as emperor. The machinations of his wife, Messalina, are laid bare, along with her debaucheries. When her mischief finally gets her killed, she is succeeded by Agrippina the Younger in A.D. 49. Her wiles are no less mischievous and she angles to get her son, Nero, in line to be emperor. The reign of Claudius finally comes to a close when he is poisoned by Agrippina amid uprisings in Britain and Germany, and renewed hostility in the east. Tacitus is most famous for his amazing descriptions of the reign of Nero, one of the most ruthless and sadistic monarchs of all time. It is all superbly described in some of the most beautiful and exciting prose ever written. You will hear how Nero corrupted everyone in his reach...and murdered those he could not corrupt. Learn how he had his own mother killed, how he reacted to the great fire that destroyed Rome, and how he pitilessly built his enormous new palace on the charred ruins of the city while everyone around him lived in squalor. Meanwhile, tumultuous events in the provinces are reported in great detail and with penetrating insight. All in all, The Annals are one of the great miracles of historical writing, and place Tacitus on a footing with the greatest historians of his or any other day. This production uses the famous translation by Church and Brodribb, considered the finest in the English language. The Complete Works of Tacitus continues in Volume 3 with The History.
©2006 Audio Connoisseur (P)2006 Audio Connoisseur
The Byzantine Empire
Summary
The Byzantine Empire survived as a self-contained political entity longer than any other in the history of Christianity. From the time Constantine the Great moved the capital of the Roman Empire to the Greek city of Byzantium in AD 330 - which he renamed Constantinople - to its downfall to the Turks in 1453, the great trading emporium and center of Orthodox Christianity remained the most dazzling metropolis in the world. Its palaces, its Hippodrome, its art treasures, and its churches were the wonder of mankind. For more than 1,000 years, Christian civilization was at its zenith in this magical, mysterious, and magnificent city. This history by Charles Oman is a catalog of good, bad, and indifferent emperors who either pushed Byzantine Civilization to new heights or savagely drove it to defeat and dissolution. It is a strange tale populated by some of the most interesting men and women who have ever lived. But few events have riveted the imagination or wrung the heart as did the fall of Constantinople, first to the Crusaders in 1203, then to the Turks in 1453. With its passage into the hands of the Ottoman Empire, European history entered a new era and Byzantine Civilization disappeared forever. However, thousands of Byzantine scholars fled to the West, bringing valuable knowledge which hastened the flowering of the Italian Renaissance. Listen as one of the most poignant stories in European history unfolds.
Public Domain (P)2016 Audio Connoisseur
The Complete Works of Tacitus: Volume 3: The History
Summary
In all of Roman history there was never a more turbulent year than A.D. 69, the ill-omened "Year of the Three Emperors". By some miracle, the greatest historian of the age, Tacitus, was able to chronicle those momentous events in a work he called The History. In its pages are some of the most memorable events of Roman history described in some of the most intensely passionate prose ever devised. Tacitus was a genius of the highest rank and his searing epigrammatic style has never been equaled, nor put to greater use. The History opens with the events following the assassination of Nero. Galba, an elderly senator of noble lineage, is the first to claim the crown. But his reign is short...only one month. Civil war immediately breaks out. Defying him is the rakish Otho, an aristocrat of singularly corrupt morals, both in his public and private life. Since the troops favor him over Galba, they murder the old emperor and elevate Otho. But Otho, in the mistaken belief that his troops have deserted him, cannot keep the throne in the face of Vitellius' emerging challenge and he commits suicide rather than face war. Vitellius, as corrupt and weak as his predecessor, is challenged in his turn by a successful general who has been proclaimed emperor by his own troops in Egypt, Vespasian. As civil unrest spirals out of control in Italy, renewed war breaks out in Germany, Illyria, and Judaea. As it turns out, Vespasian is the only man who can command the kind of respect and loyalty to keep the tottering empire on its feet. This production uses the famous translation by Church and Brodribb, considered the finest in the English language. The Complete Works of Tacitus continues in Volume 4 with three short works: "The Life of Agricola", "Germany and its Tribes", and "The Dialogue on Oratory".
©2006 Audio Connoisseur (P)2006 Audio Connoisseur
The Odes of Horace
Summary
Along with Virgil, Horace (Quintus Horatius Flaccus) was the greatest poet produced by Rome, and in many ways his work has had arguably an even greater impact. He and Virgil were both discovered and brought to the court of Augustus by that remarkable aristocrat and patron of letters, Maecenas. But there the similarities end. Virgil was an epic and didactic poet; Horace was a lyric poet who adapted the complex meters of Greek poetry to the needs of Latin. His brilliant expression and astonishing acumen continue to amaze readers today, either in their original Latin or in innumerable worldwide translations. Shakespeare's debt to Horace is incalculable, and it is difficult to read his Sonnets today without immediately being reminded of the famous Odes. Horace, born in 65 B.C. in the southeastern region of Hellenized Italy, was the son of a freedman of modest means. In the civil war between Antony and Octavian, he threw in his lot with Antony and fled along with the rest upon their defeat at Phillipi in 42 B.C. His subsequent discovery by Maecenas and eventual rehabilitation with the Augustan regime was one of history's most fortunate reconciliations. The works of Horace include the Odes, Epodes, Satires, Epistles, and various other fragments and hymns. His gentle nature and free-flowing mind produced some of the world's supremely great poetry, and his legacy to Latin letters is assured for as long as civilization itself remains. Horace died in 8 B.C., just a few short weeks after his beloved patron, Maecenas.
©2007 Audio Connoisseur (P)2007 Audio Connoisseur
The History of Rome, Volume 5: Books 33 - 39
Summary
Livy's purpose in writing his famous history was to show how Rome had started out as a city state full of brave, idealistic and virtuous citizens, but had then descended into the voracious, debauched, and immoral empire it had become by his own time in the late 1st century B.C. And the evidence was compelling. In volume five, Rome begins to confront the corrupt tyrannies and monarchies of Greece and the eastern Mediterranean. At first, her intention is simply to free the Greek cities from the yoke of bondage put in place by Philip of Macedon, Antiochus, and others. The task was all the more rewarding in that Philip and Antiochus had aided and abetted the Carthaginians earlier. But the thrill of liberation turns into the burden of empire as Rome assumes a role it cannot easily back away from. Soon, the protector of Greece becomes its jailor. And the corruption in the east moves west. Livy's The History of Rome continues in one additional volume. Translation: Roberts
Public Domain (P)2011 Audio Connoisseur
The Satires
Summary
Quintus Horatius Flaccus was born on December 8, 65 BC in the southeastern region of Hellenized Italy. He died on November 27, 8 BC. Horace was the son of a freedman of modest means. In the civil war between Antony and Octavian, he threw in his lot with Antony and fled along with the rest upon their defeat at Phillipi in 42 BC. His subsequent discovery by Maecenas and eventual rehabilitation with the Augustan regime was one of history's most fortunate reconciliations. Horace developed a number of interrelated themes throughout his career, including politics, love, philosophy, ethics, his own social role, and poetry itself. The Satires are forms of "blame poetry", and both have a natural affinity with the moralizing diatribes of Cynicism. The Satires include a strong element of Epicureanism, with frequent allusions to the Epicurean poet Lucretius. The Satires also feature some elements of Stoic, Peripatetic, and Platonic dialogues. In short, The Satires present a medley of philosophical programs, dished up in no particular order...a style of argument typical of the genre. This translation is by Christopher Smart.
Public Domain (P)2016 Audio Connoisseur
A History of the Roman Republic, Volume 2
Summary
By the middle of the second century B.C., the Roman Republic has been changed completely from the sober and virtuous character of the previous generations of self-sacrificing soldier-farmers. Rome has become a wealthy, diverse metropolis of many conflicting interests. The influence of Hellenism, while on the whole beneficial to the educated caste, has proved ruinous to the morals of the man on the street, who has joined an insatiable mob. But a greedy and power hungry faction of wealthy capitalists and nobles begin to use the Roman mob to promote their own selfish interests. Meanwhile, the immense expansion of Roman territory to include the entire Mediterranean has brought into being a complex bureaucratic apparatus which the fractious Senate is incapable of running. Bribery, graft, and wholesale theft by unscrupulous governors provokes armed rebellion in many provinces. At Rome, the mob has become accustomed to an expensive welfare system which threatens the state's financial powers. Into this dreadful state of affairs steps one of history's bravest reformers, Tiberius Gracchus. Along with his brother, Caius, these two will introduce, beginning in 133 B.C., a series of political and economic reforms which unleashes over a hundred years of massive civil unrest and devastating civil war. The chaos is finally brought to an end with the accession to power of Octavian in 30 B.C., and with him comes an Imperial tyranny that spells the end of an ancient form of government known as the Roman Republic. Enjoy Cyril Robinson's superbly written historical masterpiece, a crowning achievement by the greatest historian of the 20th century.
(P)2005 Audio Connoisseur
The Jugurthine War & The Conspiracy of Cataline
Summary
A bloody revolt by a North African prince and a plot to seize control of Rome are the subjects of two short masterpieces of ancient history by the illustrious Roman chronicler, Sallust. The Jugurthine War tells the story of the crafty Numidian, Jugurtha, his brutal lunge for power beginning in 118 B.C. and his capture and execution in 106 B.C. It is a tale of pitched battles and savage guerilla warfare, failed peace conferences and corrupt officials, treachery and heroism. The Conspiracy of Cataline is a gothic tale of revenge, violence, and naked aggression in the pursuit of power. Its most famous participants are Cicero, the young Julius Caesar, and Lucius Sergius Cataline. Cataline is described by Sallust as "a guilt-stained soul at odds with gods and men, who found no rest either waking or sleeping, so cruelly did conscience ravage his overwrought mind". Hear the peculiar power in the dramatic prose which Sallust employs in these two great works. They are not only a magnificent example of the gravitas of the Latin language in the hands of a master, but also a valuable source for the speeches of some of history's most famous leaders. Translated by Handford, Lord, and Blackistone. Also included on this volume:With Cataline himself present in the Roman senate chamber near the end of 63 B.C., Cicero hurled at him one of the most superb examples of oratory ever known, the famous First Oration Against Cataline which was memorized by schoolboys for a thousand years. As the speech continued, the senators who were seated in the vicinity of Cataline quietly got up one by one and moved away from him, leaving him alone on one side of the senate chamber staring at the floor. Upon its completion, with applause for Cicero still ringing in his ears, Cataline walked out of the senate building and left Rome. Listen as this spine tingling example of oratorical bravura engulfs Cataline!
(P)2004 Audio Connoisseur
Vanity Fair
Summary
Vanity Fair is a satirical novel of manners which takes place during, and in the decade after, the battle of Waterloo in 1815. The various scenes in the novel range across Europe and England. It was first published in serial form beginning in 1847. The work is by turns witty, scintillating, brutally realistic, tragic, humorous, and always fascinating. The title of the book stems from Bunyan’s “Pilgrim’s Progress”, where Vanity is a town along the pilgrim’s route, and which holds an eternal fair of the vanities. It is a place where people are ensnared by worldly things. By Thackeray’s time, Vanity Fair had come to be seen as a playground of the idle rich and their sychophants. As an example of the Victorian novel, there is none finer than this. Although the novel is peopled by dozens of sharply outlined characters, it traces in detail the intertwined lives and careers of six: Rebecca Sharp, Amelia Sedley, George Osborne, Joseph Sedley, William Dobbin, and Rawdon Crawley. Of the six, Becky is the most famous and certainly the most interesting. Impoverished child of an artist and opera singer, Miss Sharp is determined to carve out a place for herself in Vanity Fair. Ambition is her outstanding characteristic. She personifies the merciless social climber who carelessly destroys the lives of others in pursuit of her goal. But in the final analysis, Vanity Fair is the timeless story of people futilely struggling to establish themselves in society…with all the resultant human foibles, deceptions, fears, and triumphs.
Public Domain (P)2018 Audio Connoisseur
Iron Men and Saints
Summary
The first crusade of 1096 unleashed a wave of impassioned, personally felt, deeply pious Christian fury that was expressed in a mass movement centered in France and spreading to other European kingdoms, including Flanders, German speaking principalities, and Italy. Master historian Harold Lamb tells the incredible story of how Pope Urban II fanned the sparks of Christian anger into a mighty conflagration of righteous indignation with his speech of 1095 in Clermont. It was a speech that would occupy the hearts and minds of Europeans for over 200 years. Tens of thousands of peasants, both men and women, simply left their fields and workshops and joined knights and monks on a journey to take back holy Jerusalem from the infidel Muslims. A river of humanity, often hostile and destructive, flowed across Europe and into Byzantium and Asia. Led by baronial leaders like Godfrey of Bouillon, Baldwin of Flanders, Raymond of Toulouse, Robert of Normandy, and the mighty Bohemond of Taranto, their confrontation with Islamic armies would soon follow. The results of those armed clashes produced some of the most amazing stories you will ever hear.
©1930 Estate of Harold Lamb (P)2012 Audio Connoisseur
The Complete Works of Tacitus: Volume 4
Summary
The exemplary life of a noble soldier/statesman, a description of ancient Germany, and a discussion of oratory are the subjects of three short masterpieces by the brilliant Roman historian, Tacitus. The Life of Cnaeus Julius Agricola is an almost perfect example of what the Romans called the panegyric, a type of salutary obituary which was invariably produced at the death of renowned persons. Agricola was certainly no ordinary man. For one thing, he was the father-in-law of Tacitus. And for another, he was a genuinely gifted soldier of the highest character, the kind of unsung hero who made possible the success of Roman civilization. Germany and Its Tribes is one of the most interesting pieces to come down to us. It is a very insightful and informed commentary on the feared tribes who lived beyond the Rhine. Although some of the information is incorrect or nonsensical, most of it is quite cogent and represents an accurate picture of the German people in those days. Many will recognize traits that have survived into modern times. The Dialogue on Oratory is a spirited discussion among four men about the merits or demerits of the state of oratory in their time versus its practice in the past. By turns amusing and dazzling, the conversation keeps the listener entertained. This production uses the famous translation by Church and Brodribb, considered the finest in the English language.
©2006 Audio Connoisseur (P)2006 Audio Connoisseur
The History of the Franks
Summary
Gregory of Tours was a Gallo-Roman aristocrat and Catholic prelate born in 538. He died 56 years later, in 591, a period in which the brutal Merovingian rulers of the Frankish nation consolidated their power over most of Gaul. Gregory experienced the transition from the dying world of Roman antiquity to the new culture of early medieval Europe. He lived on the border between the Frankish culture of the Merovingians to the north and the Gallo-Roman culture of the south of Gaul. He struggled through personal relations with four Frankish kings: Sigebert I, Chilperic I, Guntram, and Childebert II, and he personally knew most of the leading Franks of his day. The book opens with a recounting of the world's history from the creation but moves quickly to the Christianization of Gaul, the life and times of Saint Martin of Tours, the conversion of the Franks, the conquest of Gaul under Clovis, and the more detailed history of the Frankish kings, down to the death of Sigebert I in 575. The second part, books V and VI, closes with Chilperic I's death in 584. The third part, comprising books VII to X, is an increasingly personal account down to the year 591. As bishop of Tours, Gregory could not have been better placed to hear everything and meet everyone of influence in Merovingian culture.
Public Domain (P)2015 Audio Connoisseur
A History of England, Volume 4: The Nineteenth Century and After: 1815-1921
Summary
C. E. Robinson's celebrated history of England comes to a stirring conclusion with volume 4. The 19th century witnessed some of the most far-reaching social and political changes in English history. In volume 4, we trace the arc of England's march to worldwide imperial dominance along with the nation's reckoning with her poorest citizens. It is a story of contrast and courage. The contrast is between those with titles, money, and power...and those lacking any or all of these. Courage is reflected in the political leadership of men like Peel, Disraeli, and Gladstone, who understood the urgent need for reform...and carried it out. Militarily, the British show equal courage in engagements with Russia and Germany, with outstanding contributions from men like Jellicoe and Kitchener. It is a century that finally revealed the promise of the previous century's burgeoning industrial prowess by spreading those benefits broadly enough to lift everyone's standard of living by the 1860s. But throughout, the ongoing tragedy of Ireland continues to weigh on the public conscience until bold leadership finally grants the Irish home rule in 1921. But even as the English nation moves from one triumph to another in the various spheres of literature, art, architecture, science, engineering, politics, and overseas trade and expansion, the 19th century ends on a sour note. The Boer War in South Africa brings renewed awareness that imperialism brings with it staggering responsibilities (as previously revealed by the midcentury Indian Mutiny). And barely was that costly, bloody conflict brought to a conclusion before the looming struggle with Germany came into focus. PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your Library section along with the audio.
Public Domain (P)2015 Audio Connoisseur
Roman History, Volume 1
Summary
Dio Cassius was a Roman statesman and historian of Greek origin. He published 80 volumes of history on ancient Rome, beginning with the arrival of Aeneas in Italy. The volumes documented the subsequent founding of Rome (753 BC), the formation of the republic (509 BC), and the creation of the empire (31 BC). The history continues until AD 229. Written in ancient Greek over a period of 22 years, Dio's work covers approximately 1,000 years of history. Many of his 80 books have survived intact or as fragments, providing modern scholars with a unique perspective on Roman history, particularly the period of the empire from Trajan through Alexander Severus. The first 36 books are fragmentary to one extent or another, especially books 30 through 35. Beginning with book 36, Dio enters into a very detailed history that commences with the rivalry of Sulla and Marius. It then follows the career of Julius Caesar. This volume ends with book 49 and the increasing friction between Mark Antony and Octavian. Please note that book three is no longer extant.
Public Domain (P)2017 Audio Connoisseur
Hellenica
Summary
The Hellenica is Xenophon’s continuation of Thucydides’ history of the Peloponnesian War, literally resuming from where the previous author’s history was abruptly left unfinished and narrating the events of the final seven years of the conflict and the war’s aftermath. Some historians consider the Hellenica to be a personal work, written by Xenophon in retirement on his Spartan estate, and intended primarily for circulation among his friends, who would have known the main protagonists and events, having most likely participated in them. Xenophon’s account starts in 411 BC, the year where Thucydides breaks off, and ends in 362 BC, the year of the Battle of Mantineia. The work is of vital importance as a primary historical source and is celebrated for its clarity of style, as found in most of Xenophon’s extant works. Listeners are advised to familiarize themselves with the events of the Peloponnesian War before beginning this work, especially the work of Thucydides. This production uses the English translation of Carleton L. Brownson. PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.
Public Domain (P)2019 Audio Connoisseur
Treasure Island
Summary
Millions of people have thrilled to the adventure of young Jim Hawkins and Long John Silver since the publication of Treasure Island in 1883. It has been dramatized countless times since its appearance. Treasure maps marked with an X, schooners, the Black Spot, tropical islands, and peglegged sailors with parrots on their shoulders: All these stereotypes of the buccaneer tale were the invention of R. L. Stevenson. But make no mistake about it...this novel is a masterpiece of plot development, character study, and sheer writing skill. In this magnificent production, award winning narrator Charlton Griffin brings these unforgettable characters to life with a zest and clarity never before realized. Thrill to this timeless coming-of-age adventure story as you slip effortlessly into the atmosphere of 18th century England.
Public Domain (P)2012 Audio Connoisseur
The History of Rome, Volume 6: Books 40 - 45
Summary
Livy's splendid adventure of Rome's rise to dominance comes to a close in this concluding volume of his magnificent history. Sadly, the work abruptly halts near the completion of book 45, which concerns events in Greece in the year 168 BC. The missing portions, numbering 107 books, have never been found. The original text of this monumental history, which came to 142 books when he completed it, carried the story to 9 BC. Livy called his work Ab Urbe Condita, though we refer to it as The History of Rome. Almost the entire subject of volume six deals with Rome's struggle with Macedon, ending in the defeat of Perseus at the battle of Pydna. It was an epic struggle with a dangerous foe. And though it was certainly not intended by Livy to be the end of his work, this segment does provide a spectacular display of his writing talent and penchant for drama... a fitting end to an epic work. Translation: Roberts
Public Domain (P)2011 Audio Connoisseur
A History of Rome, Volume 1
Summary
A History of Rome is the story of a tiny market town on the Tiber, its rise to world domination, and then its slow, terrible plunge to utter ruin. It is the single greatest event in all human history. Discover the fascinating origin of Rome and its mysterious Etruscan connections, its first faltering steps toward republican government, and its methodical subjugation of surrounding tribes. Slowly, the puritanical Roman Republic asserts control over all of Italy and in the process forges a political unity which proves enduring. That unity is sorely tested as Rome comes into conflict with Carthage and Hannibal, a horrifying ordeal which alters world history for all time. A resurgent Rome is next drawn into the intrigues of the eastern Mediterranean, finally conquering the Greek speaking world...only to end up surrendering itself to a seductive, decadent Hellenistic culture. A century of politcal tension and civil strife ensues. Follow the rise of powerful men like the brothers Tiberius and Caius Gracchus, Marius, Sulla, Pompey, Cicero and the greatest Roman of them all - Julius Caesar.
©2001 Audio Connoisseur
The History of Rome, Volume 4, Books 26-32
Summary
No historian has ever possessed the ability to highlight dramatic episodes in the manner that Livy accomplished. He had an uncanny feel for the narrative potential inherent in historical works, and he brought out the drama so well that, even after 2,000 years, we still feel a stirring thrill whenever we hear his retelling of the epic grandeur of the Roman Republic. In this volume, Hannibal and Carthage are finally worn down by the grim determination of the Roman people, and their army is destroyed at Zama by Publius Scipio. And hardly is this over before the vengeful Romans cast their eyes eastward to Philip of Macedon, who had made the fatal error of backing the Carthaginians. Livy's The History of Rome continues in an additional two volumes. Translation: William Masfen Roberts.
Public Domain (P)2011 Audio Connoisseur
Lincoln the Man
Summary
Whenever the subject of Lincoln is brought up, it usually produces a mixed response ranging from adoration to excoriation. Back in 1931 when Lincoln the Man appeared, there were few willing to publicly judge Lincoln on the basis of anything less than hagiographic platitudes. That all changed when the famous poet and writer Edgar Lee Masters published Lincoln the Man. Masters grew to manhood in the same Illinois county where Lincoln also grew up and practiced law. His family knew Lincoln well from his earliest days, and they followed his entire career with interest and rising concern. This book is less a biography and more of an analysis of Lincoln’s thinking process and political evolution from backwoods lawyer to president of the United States. Edgar Lee Masters was born in 1868. He led a successful career as a lawyer in partnership with Clarence Darrow. But it was the publication of his brilliant poetry collection Spoon River Anthology in 1915 which made him famous. Masters would go on to produce 52 other poetry collections, novels, essays, and plays. He died in New York City in 1950 and was buried in Petersburg, Illinois.
©1931, 1997 Hilary Masters (P)2020 Audio Connoisseur