Scipio Africanus

Greater Than Napoleon

By: B.H. Liddell Hart

Narrated by: Derek Perkins

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.

©2004 The Executors of Lady Liddell Hart, deceased (P)2019 Tantor

The Aim of War is Peace

In a lifetime of reading history, I’ve run across the ideas and observations of Basil Henry Liddell Hart more times than I can remember. But until now, I’ve never read one of his books. Now that I finally have, I want more.

Usually, when a historian seeks to retrieve the reputation of a neglected figure, they do so at the expense of the figures who overshadow their subject. Instead, Liddell Hart’s brilliant appreciation of Scipio is as even-handed as the mind of the great Roman himself. Everyone, from Alexander, Hannibal, and Julius Caesar to Marlboro and Wellington, get their just desserts. There are no cheap shots here. Nevertheless, when placed in the long perspective of military history (something Liddell Hart does with penetrating insight), Scipio stands supreme. His grasp of strategy embraced diplomacy, psychology, and morality -- because his ultimate aim was a lasting peace.

Liddell Hart’s prose is as balanced and well-wrought as the judgements it expresses, accentuated by Derek Perkins’ intelligent, well-paced delivery.

An argument for the greatest Military Captain in history.

B.H. Liddell Hart was a veteran of WWI and became a thought leader in military studies.
In this book Hart lays out his argument that Scipio Africanus stands above all others in military history as a great commander. I found his argument compelling and would recommend to anyone interested in military and Roman history.

Interesting but conjecture

I went into listening to this knowing nothing about Scipio Africanus, so in that sense I think this is an excellent primer on the man and his campaigns. I'm just a little leery of totally buying into the notion that he was maybe the greatest military general of all time. Just too few sources (in some cases only one) to make that case convincingly. Having said that, this is a short review of a little-known and excellent military leader, as long as you can overlook the massacre and plunder of ancient military campaigns (as well as the 'why'?).

Excellent

I recommend to read the life of Annibal since both generals life's are parallel

Great short history of this Roman figure. Really like this narrator guy

Concise, good story, nice interpretation and personal input, and great narration. Would read/listen to other books by author and narrator