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Babylon
- Mesopotamia and the Birth of Civilization
- Narrated by: Derek Perkins
- Length: 12 hrs and 1 min
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Publisher's Summary
Civilization was born 8,000 years ago, between the floodplains of the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, when migrants from the surrounding mountains and deserts began to create increasingly sophisticated urban societies. In the cities that they built, half of human history took place.
In Babylon, Paul Kriwaczek tells the story of Mesopotamia from the earliest settlements seven thousand years ago to the eclipse of Babylon in the sixth century BCE. Bringing the people of this land to life in vibrant detail, the author chronicles the rise and fall of power during this period and explores the political and social systems, as well as the technical and cultural innovations, which made this land extraordinary. At the heart of this book is the story of Babylon, which rose to prominence under the Amorite king Hammurabi from about 1800 BCE. Even as Babylon's fortunes waxed and waned, it never lost its allure as the ancient world's greatest city.
Engaging and compelling, Babylon reveals the splendor of the ancient world that laid the foundation for civilization itself.
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What listeners say about Babylon
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- Mauro
- 2019-09-19
A good introduction to the history of Mesopotamia
This is a good introduction to the history of Mesopotamia, from the rise of Eridu to the conquest of Babylon by Cyrus the Great.
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6 people found this helpful
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- Langer MD
- 2023-02-10
Interesting and Informative
This book aspires to that ideal mix of academically accurate and accessible to a casual audience.. and falls juuuust short.
To be certain, the book is compiled nicely, well-written, and feels complete. Historian and BBC personality Paul Kriwaczek leads readers/listeners through an exhaustively-researched treatise discussing an area of the world that is commonly referred to as "The Cradle Of Civilzation".
Unfortunately, Kriwaczek presents the archeological/historical research as though it is simple established fact (no debate necessary) and presents it in a poorly organized manner: chronological but loosely delivered. If he had been forced to teach his material to a University audience (religiously adhering to an outline and addressing controversies in the literature), Kriwaczek would doubtless be outstanding - he obviously understands how to make admittedly dry (and continuously changing material) fresh & thought-provoking - but can't quite meet "authoritative" standards.
The reading from Derek Perkins is similarly far above average - but unspectacular. His praiseworthy diction, cadence, and timbre are matched with a clearly interested tone that keeps the text from being boring.
Unfortunately, Perkins reads far too slowly (setting playback speed at 1.10X restores a more "natural" listening experience) and with an occasional noticeable monotone.
Altogether, Tantor Audio did a great job casting the project, but another reader could likely have done an equally impressive job.
In toto, 'Babylon: Mesopotamia and the Birth of Civilization' merits 7.5 stars out of 10. I was able to get the recording on sale - and the edifying book was easily worth the $5.20CDN I paid for it - but paying full price would be worth a debate.
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- Mat
- 2023-04-23
Quite interesting
Liked the guys voice. Very academic grandfather. Very soothing. Great for calming down For bed. The history of the tablets has always interested meansthisbookprovided some good context and background. Thoroughly enjoyed
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- Xyo
- 2023-05-09
Fascinating!
This was very interesting, I was a fan of the parallels drawn between ancient Mesopotamia and modern history.
The book opening about Saddam Hussein at first caught me a little off guard, but it was well done. The novel overall covers a great deal of material, so much that you find yourself wanting to take notes as you progress.
The narration also caught me off guard, as it took me a few moments to realize Perkins had also narrated a novel I finished on the war in Chechnya not long ago. But just as he had done in that book, he delivered a very strong presentation here as well! He has a good way of bringing things to life and engaging your interest.
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