A Hero Of The Empire
By Robert Silverberg; Read by George Guidall
Audio Download [UNABRIDGED]
Publisher: Random House Audible
Published: November 2000 – No Longer Available
ISBN: 0375417982
Themes: Science Fiction / Alternate History / Roman Empire / Islam /
A Hero Of The Empire is one of Robert Silverberg’s “Roma Eterna” stories, set in alternate history world where the Roman Empire never fell. A homosexual Roman nobleman is sent in punishment to a remote corner of the Empire – the Arabian city we know as Mecca. The time is 600 years after the reign of the Emperor Augustus – by this time the Empire has expanded to include the entire Arabian Peninsula. Written in the style of a letter to a dear friend, this novella is a fascinating examination of both Roman and Islamic history. George Guidall’s excellent reading infuses every word of this novella with his unique vocal magic. Audible’s recording is good, and even includes appropriate music, but the sound has been degraded by heavy compression – it sounds digitized. Unfortunately, and inexplicably, Audible.com has pulled A Hero Of The Empire from its catalogue and it is no longer available by itself. This was one of the best science fiction audio downloads ever available. And its disappearance from Audible.com makes me want to download and listen to all their titles immediately, for fear that they too will disappear!
NOTE: A Hero Of The Empire is no longer available singly, but is available as a portion of “Audible Exclusive Sci-Fi, Volume 1”.