A Historian Goes to the Movies: Ancient Rome
by Professor Gregory S. Aldrete (The Great Courses, 2021)
This audiobook comprises twelve lectures examining Ancient Rome’s representation in film. Aldrete proves knowledgeable and passionate about the material, though uncritical of the primary sources against which the modern interpretations are judged. We learn more about film-making and contemporary zeitgeists than Rome.
The Silver Pigs
by Lindsey Davis (1989); audiobook read by Christian Rodska (Bolinda, 2015)
The mystery doesn’t amount to much or even feature heavily in this long-ish debut novel. The Ancient Roman setting, however, is refreshing in its detail and Didius Falco (history’s first down-and-out detective!) has a certain appeal, especially as voiced by Christian Rodska.
Doctor Who: The Romans
by Donald Cotton (Target, 1987)
Without reference to the televised serial, this odd and irreverent epistolary novelisation comes across as something of a fever dream. Even in context, it takes liberties in elevating and expanding upon the plot’s farcical elements. Nonetheless, a funny and uncommonly erudite read.
Doctor Who: The Stone Rose
by Jacqueline Rayner (BBC, 2006); abridged audiobook read by David Tennant (BBC Audio, 2006)
David Tennant’s narration goes some way towards saving this novel, but for all his exuberance the plot remains structured around obtuse main characters and a pantheon of dei ex machina. (Additionally, the Doctor’s escapades at the Flavian Amphitheatre form a new nadir.)