The Annals — Unabridged Audiobook
The Annals is Tacitus’s account of the Julio-Claudian emperors, presented here as an unabridged audiobook narrated by Martyn Swain. Its 17-hour runtime suits listeners seeking an extended treatment of Roman political history; the listing identifies the language as Latin.
At a glance
- Covers the Julio-Claudian emperors and their times, alongside political intrigue, conflict and Roman society.
- The listing describes the work as unabridged and gives a listening length of 17 hours and 1 minute.
Pros and cons
Pros
- A substantial, unabridged presentation for listeners who want an extended account rather than an abridgement.
- The subject spans imperial politics, military events and social history, offering more than a sequence of rulers’ biographies.
Technical specifications
8 specifications| Programme type | Audiobook |
|---|---|
| Version | Unabridged |
| Listening length | 17 hours and 1 minute |
| Narrator | Martyn Swain |
| Language | Latin |
| Author | Tacitus |
|---|---|
| Publication date | 17 Aug. 2019 |
| Publisher | Ukemi Audiobooks from W. F. Howes Ltd |
What to know before buying
Listing details to confirm
The listing identifies the audiobook language as Latin, while its description discusses John Jackson’s translation; the exact language and translation presented in this recording are therefore unclear. Confirm these details if they matter to your listening plans.
Who is it for?
A good fit for
- Listeners interested in Tacitus, Roman history and the Julio-Claudian emperors.
- Those looking for a long-form, unabridged history audiobook.
Less suited to
- Listeners specifically seeking a confirmed English-language recording; the listing’s language field says Latin, despite mentioning a translation in the description.
Customer reviews on Amazon
- 5 stars
54% 54% - 4 stars
26% 26% - 3 stars
3% 3% - 2 stars
9% 9% - 1 star
8% 8%
Customer feedback describes the history as interesting and detailed, but reports mixed experiences with readability: some find the language easy to follow, while others criticise the translation. That difference may matter over a 17-hour listen, particularly for buyers who prioritise accessible narration or a specific translation. The aggregate rating is 4.1 out of 5 from 73 ratings; that figure does not resolve the language or translation uncertainty in the listing.
Positive themes
- Customers describe the book as interesting and appreciate its detailed historical content.
Mixed feedback
- Readability feedback is mixed, including criticism of the translation.
Frequently asked questions
Who wrote and narrates this audiobook?
The listing names Tacitus as author and Martyn Swain as narrator.
How long is the audiobook?
The listed listening length is 17 hours and 1 minute.
Is this an English-language recording?
That is not clear from the supplied listing: its language field says Latin, while the description refers to John Jackson’s translation. Confirm the recording language before choosing it.
