The Annals by Tacitus

The Annals

Unflinching History of Imperial Rome's Darkest Excesses

Written byTacitus
Narrated byMartyn Swain
Length17h01m
Release dateAugust 14, 2019
LanguageEnglish
★★★★ 4.0 (2 ratings)

Free with Audible trial. Cancel anytime.

Listen to a Sample

Hear Martyn Swain's narration on Audible.

Play Sample on Audible

Quick Facts

AuthorTacitus
NarratorMartyn Swain
Runtime17h01m
PublishedAugust 14, 2019
Rating★★★★ 4.0 / 5 (2 ratings)
CategoriesHistory, Ancient, Rome, World
FormatAudiobook (Digital)
PlatformAudible

About This Audiobook

Tacitus' masterpiece, The Annals, is a gripping and unvarnished account of the Roman Empire's most tumultuous period. Martyn Swain's measured narration brings to life the intrigue, corruption, and brutality that defined the reigns of Tiberius, Claudius, and Nero. Swain's steady pace and clear enunciation allow listeners to absorb the complexity of Tacitus' writing, which is characterized by its concise and often biting prose.

What sets this audiobook apart is its unflinching portrayal of the Roman elite's decadence and the moral decay that accompanied their rise to power. Tacitus' narrative is both a history lesson and a cautionary tale, making for a compelling listen that will appeal to fans of historical non-fiction and those interested in the darker aspects of human nature.

Tags: Ancient RomeHistorical Non-FictionDark HistoryClassicsRoman Empire

Why Listen to The Annals?

  • Expert narration by Martyn Swain brings every character and scene to life across 17h01m of immersive audio.
  • Highly rated at 4.0 stars by 2 listeners.
  • Free with your Audible trial — keep the audiobook forever even if you cancel.
  • Perfect for commutes, workouts, and relaxation. Listen anywhere, anytime.
Start Listening Free
AE

Editor's Review ★★★★

AudioBook Atlas

I was thoroughly engaged by Martyn Swain's narration of The Annals, which brought a sense of gravity and authority to Tacitus' text. Swain's performance is well-suited to the subject matter, conveying the complexity and nuance of Tacitus' writing. One of the standout aspects of this audiobook is its pacing, which remains consistently engaging despite the sometimes dense and detailed nature of the narrative. My only criticism is that some of the character names can be difficult to keep track of, and a few minor slips in pronunciation detract from the overall polish of the production. Nevertheless, I found The Annals to be a riveting and thought-provoking listen that sheds new light on a pivotal period in Roman history.

Download: The Annals

Some links on this page are affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of them, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

The Annals by Tacitus is an immersive listening experience. Performed by Martyn Swain with a runtime of 17h01m, you can start with a free trial that you can cancel at any time. The audiobook remains yours forever, even if you end the trial.