CAESAR: A NOVEL

McCullough continues her Masters of Rome series; in this fifth installment, the leaders of Rome plot to stop Caesar, fearing that his victories in Gaul will inspire him to proclaim himself dictator. Amazingly, this abridgment doesn't seem lacking, thanks in large part to Michael York's energetic and empathic narration. Using regional British accents to differentiate a large cast of characters, he maintains the energy and spirit that take the listener through the machinations and plotting of all involved. The emotions are real and fresh--for example, Caesar's grief at the deaths of his mother and daughters and Pompey's fears and jealousies at Caesar's mounting victories. Skillful abridgment and a masterful narrator make this engrossing to the end. M.A.M. ©AudioFile, Portland, Maine [Published: MAY 98]