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Histories

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Histories

By: Herodotus
Narrated by: David Timson
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About this listen

In this, the first prose history in European civilization, Herodotus describes the growth of the Persian Empire with force, authority, and style. Perhaps most famously, the book tells the heroic tale of the Greeks' resistance to the vast invading force assembled by Xerxes, king of Persia. Here are not only the great battles - Marathon, Thermopylae, and Salamis - but also penetrating human insight and a powerful sense of epic destiny at work.

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)2016 Naxos AudioBooks Ancient Civilization Europe Greece Military World Ancient History Ancient Greece Inspiring Greek Mythology King

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All stars
Most relevant  
This was, for me, unexpectedly delightful. I was sad when it ended.

Can't say any more about the author than has already been said, but the reader, David, son of Tim, has a most easy-to-listen voice.

Beautifully delivered

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This version of the classic is very well read and easy on the ear. Recommended.

Brilliant book

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Thoroughly enjoyable. it's a view of the ancient World little seen especially in their own words.

Fascinating

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What did you like most about Histories?

The scope, it covers a broad span of time and topics.

What does David Timson bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you had only read the book?

He just gets it right. I can almost imagine his voice is that of Herodotus reading his own work, albeit in English.

Any additional comments?

Lion cubs destroy the womb as they are born? Hmm Mr Herodotus, you may have wanted to fact check some of those stories you heard!

Beautifully narrated

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great translation, great narrator, would recommend this to anyone with an interest in ancient history or who has read the Histories before.

great translation, great narrator

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Fascinating text, & very well read. The translation is fresh & engaging, while maintaining the authority of formality. Would recommend, even to those not usually inclined to classical texts.

Excellent

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The narration is excellent; David Timson is perfect as the voice of Herodotus as he tells the tale of the enmity between the Persians and the Greeks.

Thoroughly entertaining

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Translation appears to be that of George Rawlinson albeit with all the archaic words updated. Stylistically it reads like a modern text. A free online version of Rawlinson's text can be found at Wikisource. It's very well narrated. There is no Greek left untranslated. For context Elizabeth Vandiver has a superb course on Herodotus.

Rawlinson updated

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I was surprised at how accessible and enjoyable I found Histories. Whilst there is a bit 'begatting' I was happy to let it roll over me until it got to the story again. The narrator is excellent.

Storytelling at its finest

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When reviewing an audio book version of an ancient classic it is hard to decide what you are assessing: the classic itself, the translation or the performance.

The Histories stands on its own; if you are contemplating listening to this then you know why you have chosen to do so and have a good idea what it is about. Suffice it to say that if you have the slightest interest in the ancient world you then you owe it to yourself to read or listen to it.

Being unable to translate the Greek I am in no position to comment on the quality of the translation. The translator is not specified. As well as listening I also read Tom Holland's translation; the version here seemed no better (or worse).

I can, however, comment on the performance of the reader, which really is quite excellent.

Great reading

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