Listen to a sample
The World's Game
- Author
- Frederic Raphael
- Narrator
- Ric Jerrom
- Publisher
- Bloomsbury Publishing
- Publish Date
- 8 May 2025
- Run Time
- 19 hours 49 minutes
- Format
- Audiobook
What to expect
In the twelfth century, Pope Clement III declared: ‘The Pope is resolved to be the lord and master of the world’s game.’ Yet history has proven to be much more complex.
In this epic narrative, Frederic Raphael explores the most significant moments, ideas and figures that have shaped the world’s stage. He takes us on a journey through history: from the reigns of Julius Caesar and Alexander the Great, to Plato and Socrates and the origins of philosophy, the turning point of World War Two and the invention of the atom bomb, and, finally, the social and cultural divisions of modern day. It is often a story of conflict: the rise of anti-Semitism, the tensions between science and faith, progress and strife, comedy and ruthlessness.
Thought-provoking and compelling, The World’s Game weaves a tapestry of the Western world and the power struggles that have shaped it.
Critics Review
-
A soaringly ambitious volume... as rare as it is refreshing
BFI
-
Raphael’s own prose is pithy and mordant, his mind still quicksilver and youthful, his book a timely modern guide for the perplexed.
The Jewish Chronicle
User Reviews
No reviews yet.
Details
- Author
- Frederic Raphael
- Narrator
- Ric Jerrom
- Duration
- 19 hours 49 minutes
- Release Date
- 8 May 2025
- ISBN
- 9781035907540
- Format
- Audiobook
- Publisher
- Bloomsbury Publishing
- Genre
- History, Society and culture: general, Essays
Synopsis
Bloomsbury presents The World's Game by Frederic Raphael, read by Ric Jerrom. In the twelfth century, Pope Clement III declared: ‘The Pope is resolved to be the lord and master of the world’s game.’ Yet history has proven to be much more complex.In this epic narrative, Frederic Raphael explores the most significant moments, ideas and figures that have shaped the world’s stage. He takes us on a journey through history: from the reigns of Julius Caesar and Alexander the Great, to Plato and Socrates and the origins of philosophy, the turning point of World War Two and the invention of the atom bomb, and, finally, the social and cultural divisions of modern day. It is often a story of conflict: the rise of anti-Semitism, the tensions between science and faith, progress and strife, comedy and ruthlessness.Thought-provoking and compelling, The World’s Game weaves a tapestry of the Western world and the power struggles that have shaped it.
About xigxag
xigxag is an independent, UK-based audiobook platform and the UK's only B Corp certified audiobook company. We offer nearly 150,000 audiobooks, all with professional human narration. No AI-generated voices. xigxag is rated an Ethical Consumer Best Buy for audiobooks and a top-rated ethical bookshop.
There is no subscription. You buy the audiobooks you want, you own them permanently, and prices start at $13.95. The more you listen over the year, the less you pay per book, and there is always a selection in Listen for Less from $7.95. You can also send audiobooks as gifts using our audiobook gift cards or in-app gifting.
Every audiobook on xigxag has honest reviews covering both the book and the narration, and our community features make it easy to share what you are listening to, discover what others recommend, and find your next listen.
Download or stream on iOS, Android, or in your browser. Browse the full catalogue at xigxag.co.uk.