Athens cover art

Athens

A History

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Athens

By: Bruce Clark
Narrated by: Mark Elstob
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About this listen

A sweeping history of Athens, telling the three-thousand-year story of the birthplace of Western civilization.

Even on the most smog-bound of days, the rocky outcrop on which the Acropolis stands is visible above the sprawling roofscape of the Greek capital. Athens presents one of the most recognizable and symbolically freighted panoramas of any of the world's cities: the pillars and pediments of the Parthenon – the temple dedicated to Athena, goddess of wisdom, that crowns the Acropolis – dominate a city whose name is synonymous for many with civilization itself.

It is hard not to feel the hand of history in such a place. The birthplace of democracy, Western philosophy and theatre, Athens' importance cannot be understated. Few cities have enjoyed a history so rich in artistic creativity and the making of ideas; or one so curiously patterned by alternating cycles of turbulence and quietness. From the legal reforms of the lawmaker Solon in the sixth century BCE to the travails of early twenty-first century Athens, as it struggles with the legacy of the economic crises of the 2000s, Clark brings the city's history to life, evoking its cultural richness and political resonance in this epic, kaleidoscopic history.

©2021 Bruce Clark (P)2022 Head of Zeus Ancient Civilization Europe Greece World 21st Century

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This audiobook offers a wealth of historical knowledge, making it a worthwhile listen despite the narration's shortcomings. If you can overlook the pronunciation issues, you'll find yourself richly rewarded with a deeper understanding of Athens' fascinating journey. However, be prepared for moments of frustration if you're a Greek listener expecting accurate pronunciations. The pronunciation of names and places are atrocious.

Amazing book. Narration could be better.

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Such an engaging story - I’m listening for the forth time now and bought the physical book as well, for reference. I’m usually only focused on the ancient history aspects but Clark’s book got me hooked on more medieval and especially modern history of Athens and its surroundings as well.
I’m sure an expert on a particular epoch can find a flaw here and there but isn’t that true for every book? And for what it’s worth, I haven’t found any meaningful flaw yet, so it’s just a delight to have such a coherent story written in one book about such a fascinating city. Can’t wait for my next annual trip, this book in hand. Highly recommend.

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