By Mike Duncan
When I think of The Storm Before The Storm I think of the 80's Lays Potato Chip commercial, "Bet you can't eat just one," as in I bet you can't read this book just one time. I can't anyway. There is too much unfamiliar territory here -- the people (all those Latin names), the era (I haven't been thinking about 146 to 78 BC lately), and the conflict (an eclectic gathering of politicians and generals who always seem at odds).
Novelty aside, The Storm Before The Storm is an engaging and fascinating read. Duncan's grasp of his subject is impressive, his narrative is lively, and his careful sourcing gives you confidence that even two millennia removed, you're getting an accurate account.
One of the things I appreciate about Duncan's work is that it helps me to see our contentious political environment is nothing new. At the same time, it gives cause for concern. If history repeats itself, its not too difficult to envision our system run the course of an earlier Rome (146 - 78 BC); truly a storm of controversy and upheaval we want to avoid.
If you listen to the audible version (I have both), you are in for a treat. The author narrates. When you listen, it is not hard to understand why he has an award-winning podcast.