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Scipio Africanus: Greater Than Napoleon Audible Audiobook – Unabridged

B.H. Liddell Hart (Author), Derek Perkins (Narrator), Tantor Audio (Publisher)
4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 587 ratings
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From one of the most brilliant military historians of our time, this is the classic biography of Rome's greatest general and the victor over Rome's greatest enemy, Hannibal.

Scipio Africanus (236-183 BC) was one of the most exciting and dynamic leaders in history. As commander, he never lost a battle. Yet it is his adversary, Hannibal, who has lived on in public memory. As B. H. Liddell Hart writes, "Scipio's battles are richer in stratagems and ruses - many still feasible today - than those of any other commander in history." Any military enthusiast or historian will find this to be an absorbing, gripping portrait.

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  1. Listening Length
    6 hours and 16 minutes
  2. Author
    B.H. Liddell Hart
  3. Narrator
    Derek Perkins
  4. Audible release date
    September 18, 2019
  5. Language
    English
  6. Publisher
    Tantor Audio
  7. ASIN
    B07X5CPQJ8
  8. Version
    Unabridged
  9. Program Type
    Audiobook
  10. See all details
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Product details

Listening Length 6 hours and 16 minutes
Author B.H. Liddell Hart
Narrator Derek Perkins
Whispersync for Voice Ready
Audible.com Release Date September 18, 2019
Publisher Tantor Audio
Program Type Audiobook
Version Unabridged
Language English
ASIN B07X5CPQJ8
Best Sellers Rank #46,981 in Audible Books & Originals (See Top 100 in Audible Books & Originals)
#14 in Ancient Military History (Audible Books & Originals)
#27 in Napoleonic War History (Books)
#48 in Ancient & Classical Roman History

Customer reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars
587 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book easy to read and engaging. They appreciate the concise history and well-researched analysis of tactics, strategy, and grand strategy. The book provides a positive portrayal of Scipio as one of the greatest generals of antiquity. Readers describe the pacing as fast and exciting.

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ReadabilityHistoryIntelligenceEraScipio'PacingEnjoymentWriting style
48 customers mention "Readability"48 positive0 negative

Customers find the book easy to read with an engaging writing style. It provides insights into strengths and weaknesses, making it a good professional development read. Readers also mention it's fun to read and worth the effort to complete.

"...He demonstrates the greatness of Scipio in the book. Well worth reading." Read more

"...Aside from these criticisms the book is quite worthy of reading...." Read more

"...of Rome as an empire and this book is a home run winner in style, content, and enjoyment, even if it is nearly 100 years old...." Read more

"...He left Rome unchallenged in the Mediterranean world. This book is a good read, adding insights into the strengths and weaknesses of most of the..." Read more

47 customers mention "History"44 positive3 negative

Customers find the book's history engaging. It provides a concise overview of a general without getting bogged down in details. They appreciate the author's description of events and consider it an easy read that answers historical criticisms. The book explores various historical periods and is thought-provoking, considering Scipio as one of the greatest generals in history.

"...The story of Scipio's life is riveting...." Read more

"...Actually, Hart argues that Scipio was the greatest general in history although he never directly says it...." Read more

"...Scipio (later Africanus), written by Liddell Hart in 1926, is more than a biography...." Read more

"...Hart is making a case that Scipio Africanus is, perhaps, the greatest general in history. He states this up front and makes no apologies for it...." Read more

42 customers mention "Intelligence"42 positive0 negative

Customers find the book insightful and engaging. It provides an in-depth analysis of tactics, strategy, and grand strategy. The author has a thorough knowledge of the subject and its peers. The book is detailed and favorably treats Scipio's career and achievements.

"...Drawing upon that experience Hart was able to provide informed analysis of tactics, strategy and grand strategy to the account that was not missing..." Read more

"...Hart's attention to detail (drawing upon Polybius and Livy) demonstrates the great skill that Scipio had not only in handling troops but in his..." Read more

"...It does however show Scipio's career and gives insight into his campaigns...." Read more

"...is very much at the subject of analysis, with information derived reasonably from Polybius and Livy and cautiously from others...." Read more

27 customers mention "Era"27 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's era and its focus on one of the greatest commanders of antiquity. They find it a valuable biography about a man who deserves better recognition. The book helps them remember the great Roman general with clarity.

"...It is a short book but a worthy one about a man who deserves to be better known." Read more

"...been stretched but it is spine-tingling that two of the great protagonists in history went on to enjoy one another’s company...." Read more

"...Scipio turned out to be another great man that our illiterate westernized new generations (specially sad in the case of Spain) will never know about." Read more

"...Fortunately, because of the author, it is possible to remember the greatest Roman general with the same clarity that one could remember Hannibal...." Read more

9 customers mention "Scipio'"9 positive0 negative

Customers find the book a great resource for learning about Scipio. It provides an in-depth look at his life and achievements, as well as insightful comparisons with other leaders. Readers appreciate the detailed treatment and positive portrayal of Scipio. They consider it the definitive work on Publius Scipio The Younger and a valuable historical read.

"...As a brief introduction to the man and his times does the job well; as a historical read on a subject whatever it is more that entertaining and..." Read more

"...has the following positive feature: it gives detailed and favorable treatment to Scipio, who has generally not received the attention and respect..." Read more

"...It remains THE definitive work on Publius Scipio The Younger...." Read more

"Scipios life is an amazing wonder that should be studied and replicated...." Read more

7 customers mention "Pacing"5 positive2 negative

Customers praise the book's pacing. They find it engaging, with a fine portrait of Scipio.

"...A great read as Hart is a master and he gives us a fine portrait..." Read more

"Superb. The style of writing perhaps a bit dated but the sheer genuis & greatness of Scipio shines thru...." Read more

"...The ill treatment of great men is not unheard of in ancient times or in modern...." Read more

"book is in great shape and matched the description perfectly." Read more

6 customers mention "Enjoyment"6 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book. They find it engaging and exciting, with no dull moments. The arguments are persuasive and the book is informative.

"...an empire and this book is a home run winner in style, content, and enjoyment, even if it is nearly 100 years old...." Read more

"...well; as a historical read on a subject whatever it is more that entertaining and enjoying...." Read more

"...The arguments are lengthy and persuasive. This guy is now my new #1 ancient Roman!" Read more

"...analysis, not exactly comparable to Napoleon though due to shear magnitude of engagements, resources and total distances covered...." Read more

32 customers mention "Writing style"21 positive11 negative

Customers have different views on the writing style. Some find it well-written and straightforward, describing it as an engaging history. Others mention oddly phrased language, outdated vocabulary, and spelling errors. The style of writing may be dated, making some parts difficult to read and understand.

"...The biography is written by a professional strategist. And as it happens one who had an ax to grind in bureaucratic politics...." Read more

"...Concise and straightforward, the unconcealed admiration for the general -and man as well- make up abundantly for the lack of more detailed..." Read more

"...-the language is oddly phrased and stilted, at least to my 21st Century American ear;..." Read more

"...It is very readable and written for general audiences; you do not need more than a cursory understanding of Roman history to appreciate this book...." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • R. Young
    5.0 out of 5 stars A Valued Addition to My Library
    Reviewed in the United States on September 19, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    I have read other modern biographies of Scipio Africanus and enjoyed them despite knowing that all modern biographies of Scipio have to rely entirely upon the same, limited ancient sources and whatever may be revealed by archaeology.

    To be worthy of notice a modern biographer of Scipio must bring something of value in himself to the story. B.H. Liddel Hart brings his military experience. Drawing upon that experience Hart was able to provide informed analysis of tactics, strategy and grand strategy to the account that was not missing in other biographies but was anemic by comparison to Hart's analysis
    .
    Hart fought in WWI and was at the battle of the Somme. He had very personal reasons for turning his intellectual talents to the study of war. This book was published in 1926 when the exposed errors in the Versailles Treaty were already leading some to fear another great war and Hart was one of those who predicted that modern trends and modern weapons would lead to mass casualties not only among the military but also among the civilian population.

    The story of Scipio's life is riveting. When Rome had been brought to its nadir by Hannibal it could not find someone of mature age to accept the command of what was left of the army in Spain, where Scipio's father had been killed in battle against the Carthaginians. When nobody else came forward, Scipio, still very young, stepped up. He was accepted at once but shortly after doubts arose because of his age. He overcame those, sailed to Spain, and brought the remnants of the army under discipline and training. With remarkable insight he recognized that almost all of the Carthaginian forces in Spain relied on the port of Cartagena. It was captured by Scipio's brilliant plan, and the Carthaginian cause became vulnerable in all of Spain, though there was still hard fighting to go.

    Once Spain was under control the Romans wanted Scipio to return to Italy and fight Hannibal there. Scipio had a better idea. He knew that if he went to Africa and threaten Carthage itself, Hannibal would have to abandon Italy and follow Scipio.

    By this point, Scipio's successes in Spain bred jealousies among older Roman senators and obstacles were put in the way of his plans. Nonetheless, he made it to Africa and defeated Hannibal at Zama in 202 B.C.

    Later, Scipio's enemies in the Senate attacked him and he retired in disgust to his estates.

    The ill treatment of great men is not unheard of in ancient times or in modern. After the Battle of Marathon, Miltiades was abused by the Athenians, as was Themistocles after the victory at Salamis, and Alcibiades after his many victories. It is unfortunate, but it seems a regular disease of society.

    Where Hart goes overboard, I think, is in his insistence that Scipio is greater than Alexander, Caesar, or Napoleon. All were supreme in their very different times, and it seems a useless thing to try to make what must be impossible comparisons.
    18 people found this helpful
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  • Terryl
    5.0 out of 5 stars Very Good if Somewhat Hagiographic
    Reviewed in the United States on May 23, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    Published in 1922, this work by BH Liddell Hart is a detailed and very informative work on Scipio Africanus. Hart's attention to detail (drawing upon Polybius and Livy) demonstrates the great skill that Scipio had not only in handling troops but in his strategic planning and even in his diplomacy. He sets a high bar for himself in saying that Scipo was "greater than Napoleon." What he does do is demonstrate that Scripio deserves to be in the first rank of Roman generals. Actually, Hart argues that Scipio was the greatest general in history although he never directly says it. He compares Scipio with ancient and modern commanders in various aspect of generalship. It is an interesting, if somewhat controversial, comparison. I say the book is hagiographic because Hart gives Scipio every benefit of the doubt and lavishes praise on him. The excess praise was not necessary. He demonstrates the greatness of Scipio in the book.

    Well worth reading.
    5 people found this helpful
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  • Jason S. Taylor
    4.0 out of 5 stars Rome's Staff
    Reviewed in the United States on June 7, 2009
    Verified Purchase
    A staff is a crude impliment. But it props the crippled up. As the author points out other great warriors compared themselves to a scourge. The word Scipio however means staff. And Scipio held Rome up in her time of need.

    It is the unfortunate habit of many to prefer charisma over character. Forgetting that charisma can be as easily used for evil means as good. Scipio had charisma. But he also had character. While other "Great Captains" fought for their own vanity, Scipio fought to defend his home. He was exempler of an old principal that is to often forgotten; that it is great to be a servant and Scipio was a warrior who was content to put his skill-at-arms at his countries service. His biography is seldom given which is unfortunate, for he is a great lesson to learn from. And here Mr Hart gives the biography.

    The biography is written by a professional strategist. And as it happens one who had an ax to grind in bureaucratic politics. This shows through in his writting but it can also provide insights. The book sounds remarkably like a lecture series at Sandhurst, and those who wish can imagine the writer pontificating in a classroom while they read.

    The writer's prejudices come forth. It is very much literary "triumph" to Scipio. Which isn't so bad. Except in his effort to praise his hero the author constantly harps on the utter worthlessness of Everyone Who Is Not Scipio. Which is rather ironic is that the very thing that makes Scipio worthy of praise in the author's(and this reviewer's) eyes is that Scipio was a team player who fought for his country not for his own personal fame.

    Aside from these criticisms the book is quite worthy of reading. It does not show epic battle pieces and the like; after all it is written by an intellectual soldier. It does however show Scipio's career and gives insight into his campaigns. It is a short book but a worthy one about a man who deserves to be better known.
    7 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

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  • Craig Shirley
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great book so far
    Reviewed in Canada on May 24, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    The copy that came was not he cover posted. I got another one, but it's ok. To be honest I like the cover I got just as much.
    Its a great read so far, have a hard time putting it down nightly.
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  • Jose Garcia
    5.0 out of 5 stars No sé si más grande que Napoleón, pero sin duda el más grande romano.
    Reviewed in Mexico on January 16, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    Un libro de pasta dura, papel grueso y tinta algo clara, la portada parece que tiene poco y nada que ver con el contenido pero algo acierta.
    El libro en si ofrece conocimientos impresionantes de la vida de Escipion, te pone en perspectiva y poco a poco Lidell Hart hace que te enamores de aquel que se llamó Africanus.
    Debe tomarse con cuidado por ser un libro antiguo (de los 20's) pero el conocimiento en en su mayoría certero y la visión. Que ofrece el autor, es magnífica.
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  • Ilan
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great book on a great general.
    Reviewed in India on December 1, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    I was looking for books on Strategy after reading Szun Tzu's Art of War. Many google searches later I decided to read this book. Without wasting your time, let me say what you should know.
    -You will be able to learn many lessons from Scipio's life. For one, I found his benevolent attitude towards the defeated side to be humane and one that will benefit his country in the future.
    -I found the English a little bit hard to understand. But this is entirely my opinion.
    So go for it. If you strategy interests you.
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  • Amazon Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Top
    Reviewed in Spain on June 4, 2019
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  • Angie
    5.0 out of 5 stars Blown away
    Reviewed in Australia on June 10, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    I have now read this book three times from cover to cover. It’s such a great book on Scipio Africanus. Some say it is biased. But the truth about what happened in his life might never be known, so we can only speculate. If this speculation is biased towards Scipio, hey, that suits me fine as I am a big fan of this magnificent general.
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