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Imperium

By: Robert Harris
Narrated by: Bill Wallis
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Publisher's Summary

When Tiro, the confidential secretary of a Roman senator, opens the door to a terrified stranger on a cold November morning, he sets in motion a chain of events which will eventually propel his master into one of the most famous courtroom dramas in history.

The stranger is a Sicilian, a victim of the island's corrupt Roman governor, Verres. The senator is Cicero, a brilliant young lawyer and spellbinding orator, determined to attain imperium - supreme power in the state.This is the starting-point of Robert Harris's most accomplished novel to date.

Compellingly written in Tiro's voice, it takes us inside the violent, treacherous world of Roman politics, to describe how one man - clever, compassionate, devious, vulnerable - fought to reach the top.

Sometimes it is foolish to articulate an ambition too early - exposing it prematurely to the laughter and scepticism of the world can destroy it before it is even properly born. But sometimes the opposite occurs, and the very act of mentioning a thing makes it suddenly seem possible, even plausible.

That was how it was that night. When Cicero pronounced the word 'consul' he planted it in the ground like a standard for us all to admire. And for a moment we glimpsed the brilliant, starry future through his eyes, and saw that he was right: that if he took down Verres, he had a chance; that he might - just, with luck, go all the way to the summit...'

©2006 Robert Harris (P)2014 AudioGo Ltd. Published by Random House Audiobooks

What listeners say about Imperium

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This should be placed on a classics list

I love everything about this book from the gripping story to the performance from Bill Wallis and I say performance because that’s exactly what it was, nothing short of brilliant. A must read!

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A marvellous insight into the political mind!

A truly fabulous book, which shows why Rome has - and will continue to - provide insight into who “we” are!

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The ends justifies the means!

Politics is a fascinating exploration of people and their reactions to the possible! Human nature doesn’t change and there are life
Lessons at every turn in this fascination account of Cicero’s career. Harris’ narration is masterful!

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Superb

Well written and well read.

I loved it, very interesting and very funny.

I’m now getting the next book in the series.

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One of the best

Well written and one of the best narration’s I’ve heard.
Can’t wait to read the next in the series.

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Completely compulsive

Bill Wallis's rendition of this masterful story added an extra dimension to the experience. I have bought the next two books and cannot wait to get started.

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Excellent narration to excellent historical fiction

I have read all of the trilogies. This narration is an addition to the written material: well done!

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