Plutarch's Lives, Volume 2 of 2

I’ll admit, I approached *Plutarch’s Lives, Volume 2* with skepticism—20-plus hours of biographies on ancient politicians? But B.J. Harrison’s narration turned skepticism into obsession. His voice is the secret weapon here: rich and authoritative when delivering the grand sweep of Roman politics, yet nimble enough to capture the sly humor in Plutarch’s digs at Nero’s vanity or the tragic irony of Antony’s downfall. The production itself is flawless—crystal-clear audio and no audible distractions, which is crucial when you’re immersed in 2,000-year-old drama. That said, I’ll confess to some fatigue during the repetitive military campaigns of Pompey’s campaigns; Plutarch loves a siege narrative, and after a while, even the most gripping battle feels like déjà vu. But Harrison’s knack for picking up pace in those moments—letting the drama breathe while keeping the momentum—saved the experience. The standout, without question, is his portrayal of Marcus Aurelius. The contrast between the emperor’s stoic resolve and Plutarch’s quiet admiration is electric. If you’ve ever wondered why these ‘dead white guys’ still matter, Volume 2’s blend of psychological depth and historical spectacle will prove it in spades.