From Democrats to Kings
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From Democrats to Kings
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Narrated by:
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Michael Scott
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By:
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Michael Scott
About this listen
The Brutal Dawn of a New World from the Downfall of Athens to the Rise of Alexander the Great
Athens, 404 BC. The democratic city-state has been ravaged by a long and bloody war with neighbouring Sparta. Less than 100 years later, Athens and the rest of Greece, not to mention a large part of the known world, has come under the control of an absolute monarch, a master of self-publicity and a model for despots for millennia to come: ‘megas alexandros’, Alexander the Great.
Michael Scott explores the dramatic and little-known story of how the ancient world was turned on its head - from democratic Athens to King Alexander the Great - in this superb example of popular history writing.
From Democrats to Kings also gives us a fresh take on the similar challenges we face today in the 21st century, a world in which many democracies - old and new - fight for survival.
©2009 Michael Scott (P)2014 Audible, Inc.Listeners also enjoyed...
I wish this book had been around when I studied this period in 1989 at university...... A gentle introduction to the main events and political and societal changes in this often confusing period which brought in the era of Alexander the Great.
For subsequent reading to explore the themes in greater detail, P. J. Rhodes "A history of the Greek Classical World"., Which is based upon his lectures to undergraduates. But I would strongly recommend Michael Scott's book first as it's very easy to get bogged down with Rhodes' detail before having a strong grasp of the main events.
This book gives you the correct amount of orientation you need in a well written easily comprehensive style..... And as the author himself reads it, his enthusiasm for the subject further shines through and draws you into the murky world of Greek city States struggling in a constantly changing world.
An excellent overview of Fourth Century Greece
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Very enjoyable
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Enthralling
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Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?
The fact that the narrator is also the author makes listening to this book much more interesting. Also you will not be sidelined by mispronunciations of classical names and quotations. I find this so irritating that I have returned several ancient history books.Although this book is written by an academic, Michael Scott illustrates the history of 4th century BC Greece - that is, what eventually became Greece - with great skill aimed successfully at the relatively uneducated in classical terms. It will most probably whet your appetite for more accounts of the eastern Mediterranean in those early times. I can't wait for his next book.
What was one of the most memorable moments of From Democrats to Kings?
Michael Scott's sense of humour conveys the more amusing (and grisly) moments vividly. He's a very good story teller and his words and voice illustrate the more exciting episodes well. I cannot easily pick out any one or two moments: there are many, as the narrative leads from what could be a little dry (it is history after all) to an exciting anecdote that grabs you and illuminates the point he is driving at.Which character – as performed by Michael Scott – was your favourite?
There are so many (all male) that it is almost impossible to choose. There is an elite troop of Theban fighters made up of couples of male lovers, and the generals Epaminondas and Pelopidas had quite an exciting time both martially and politically.Michael Scott does not perform the characters, thank God. There are hundreds and hundreds of them, and it is not a work of fiction (associate professors do not indulge in that kind of thing in a historical account).
Any additional comments?
I wish more authors would read their own audio books. Mary Beard for example.Fascinating as well as entertaining
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A fascinating insight
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