The Civil War

By: Julius Caesar

Narrated by: Robin Field

The Civil War is Julius Caesar’s personal account of his war with Pompey the Great - the war that destroyed the five-hundred-year-old Roman Republic. Caesar the victor became Caesar the dictator. In three short books, Caesar describes how, in order to defend his honor and the freedom of both himself and the Roman people, he marched on Rome and defeated the forces of Pompey and the Senate in Italy, Spain, and Greece. Julius Caesar himself was one of the most eminent writers of the age in which he lived. His “Commentaries” offer a unique opportunity to read the victor’s version of events.

Julius Caeser was born on 13 July 100 BC. His family, the Julii, claimed descent from the ancient kings of Rome and from the goddess Venus. Caesar rapidly carved out an impressive political career, forging an alliance with Pompey and Crassus in 60 BC. The Civil War is Caesar’s attempt at an explanation of the war that changed the Roman world.

Public Domain (P)2011 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Great history - self aggrandizement

This is a classic historical narrative. Julius Caesar deftly weaves the facts together in such a way as to make himself out to be an innocent, persecuted hero. The brilliance of Caesar shines through, regardless. His keen grasp of situations is illuminating.

All hail!

There was no other life, or death, that impacted the course of Western history as that of Julius Caesar. He was a Chad and a half, and had his reforms been successful in the Roman Republic, not only could the despotism and excesses of the Empire have been avoided or at least tempered, it would have revolutionized the ideas of Justice and Equity in all of the West.

Great historical information

I enjoyed this book thoroughly, especially from the POV of Julius Caesar. The narrator’s voice made it hard for me to stay engaged, but that’s a personal preference.

speed it up a bit and the book becomes good

slow narration, but good diction, great classics should never be passed by, and to enter into the mind of Julius Caesar is quite fascinating

Excellent reading of a classic.

What made the experience of listening to The Civil War the most enjoyable?

I've enjoyed reading Caesar's works for decades. This let me revisit it while on the road and puttering at various tasks around the house. It is a story I'll return to.

What other book might you compare The Civil War to and why?

The obvious example is the Gallic War by Caesar. It is also a well told story written by a major participant. Like this one, it's entertaining to look for Caesar's self aggrandizement, though he hides it well.

Have you listened to any of Robin Field’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I chose this version of Caesar because of Robin Field's reading. Once again he makes me feel that I'm listening to the author. I'll be looking for more of his work.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Caesar's generosity to his opponents, particularly to the legionaries, but also to their commanders, is a stark contrast to the massacres of his followers by those same opponents. Undoubtedly there's some exaggeration on his part, but his popularity with the common Roman soldier and man in the street is more understandable from seeing his approach to the conflict.