In this biography of Hannibal, the story is propelled by narrator John Lescault's clear articulation and pacing, which aptly convey the calculating genius of the renowned general. Lescault's distinct voice recounts Hannibal's harrowing journey as he leads the Carthaginian army, with its elephants, up and down the harsh terrain of the Alps toward Rome. The measured narration evokes images of Hannibal's skill as a master tactician who, with uncanny foresight, outwits the Romans in battle after battle--Trasimene, Trebbia, Cannae--ending with his ultimate defeat at Zama. Throughout, Lescault's performance allows listeners to absorb Hannibal's character--his amazing tenacity, courage, and unyielding loyalty to his country. Even though the narrative flow is disrupted by drop-in edits of Latin pronunciations, Lescault delivers this exciting story with style.
Pub Date: March 1, 2022
Duration: 5 hrs, 30 mins
DD ISBN: 9798200953844
Publisher: Blackstone Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
HISTORY | ANCIENT | WORLD | MILITARY | HISTORICAL & MILITARY
Quite interesting, if ancient history is one’s interest.
Born in Wales, Llewellyn-Jones is professor of ancient history at Cardiff University, and his narration is both heavily accented and professorial. His history of one of the world's first great metropolises is based on hard archeological evidence and is in equal parts a debunking and a rehabilitation. Much of Babylon still remains, in fact. While all those layers of grit are still being sifted and those thousands of mostly mundane cuneiform tablets translated, what Llewellyn-Jones focuses on here is primarily a line of kings and some epics. His research is thorough, scrupulous, and detailed. A particular high point is his retelling of the Epic of Gilgamesh.
Quite interesting, if ancient history is one’s interest.Pub Date: July 7, 2026
Duration: 19 hrs, 30 mins
DD ISBN: 9798318569005
Publisher: Tantor Media
Review Posted Online: July 21, 2026
Addis delivers a satisfying performance that will keep listeners engaged in this commendable history.
Matt Addis narrates Bayliss’ detailed but straightforward history of Sparta, from prehistory to the destruction of the Spartan hegemony in the 360s B.C.E., both ably and amiably. His resonant voice is likeable, if sometimes scratchy. And his manner is so thoroughly friendly that the program seems like history as narrated by a kindly uncle—but an astute one. His understanding and interpretation of the text are precise, and his tones and emphases are correct and helpful. Addis’ pacing is slightly slow, with notable pauses between text blocks, but given the complicated interurban politics of the ancient Greek city-states, moderate pacing is helpful rather than distracting.
Addis delivers a satisfying performance that will keep listeners engaged in this commendable history.Pub Date: May 19, 2026
Duration: 11 hrs, 27 mins
DD ISBN: 9798899749254
Publisher: Recorded Books Inc.
Review Posted Online: June 30, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 1, 2026
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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