A Pillar of Iron

A Novel of Ancient Rome

By: Taylor Caldwell

Narrated by: Simon Mattacks, Cassandra Campbell

New York Times Bestseller: A magnificent novel of ancient Rome and the tragic life of Cicero, who tried in vain to save the republic he loved from tyranny.

In this riveting tale, the Roman Empire in its final glory is seen through the eyes of philosopher, orator, and political theorist Marcus Tullius Cicero.

From his birth in 106 BC in the hill town of Arpinum, Cicero, the educated son of a wealthy member of the equestrian order, is destined for greatness. At a young age, he discovers the legend of the Unknown God, the coming Messiah, and it propels the rising lawyer on a journey of spiritual conflict and self-discovery. From his tumultuous family life to his tenuous alliance with Julius Caesar to a fateful love affair with the Roman empress Livia and, finally, to the political role that will make him a target of powerful enemies, A Pillar of Iron is the story of Cicero's legacy as one the greatest influences on Western civilization.

Based on hundreds of speeches, voluminous private correspondence, and ancient texts and manuscripts, this bestselling epic brings into focus Cicero's complicated relationships with his contemporaries, including Caesar, Mark Antony, and Crassus, and brilliantly captures the pageantry, turmoil, and intrigue of life in ancient Rome. According to legendary editor Maxwell Perkins, author "Taylor Caldwell is a storyteller first, last and foremost, and once you begin reading one of her books, you can't help finishing it."

©1965 Taylor Caldwell (P)2019 Brilliance Publishing, Inc., all rights reserved.

Greatly enjoyed

I enjoyed this wonderful take on history. There are points of noticeable difference in the audio settings of the narrator but his voices are outstanding.

I love Taylor Caldwell!

Her writing, language skills, and the quality of her research is magnificently astounding. 👏

Epic story!

One of the best books and performances I have EVER heard (my library is 500+, btw). WOW… the depth of the story, how the characters are developed… Taylor Caldwell was truly an inspired writer. Now if only Audible could only produce TC’s ‘The Devil’s Advocate’…

TaylorCaldwell is my hero!

The preface of this novel explains the endless reseach and experiences the Caldwell’s went theough to bring a true historically accurate novel about Cicero, Julius Cesar,and Rome!
I loved every word. I wasn’t bored a moment. This book made me want to know more about politics as well. They compare Rome with USA at the time of the writing and it compares, easily! It compares to today too! Don’t let this novel scare you! There is sex, love and humor. Personalities were so real i feel like Cicero was an old uncle.
I listened straight through and talked about the novel to everyone and they hung on my every word or should i say Mrs. Caldwells every word. the narration was beautiful and uncomplicated. A true don’t miss!

worth every minute

I had never listened to a book like this. I felt pain for proud Roman's, something that had never crossed my mind before.