Why people recommend it
The Storm Before the Storm by Mike Duncan is a historical examination of the turbulent decades leading up to the collapse of the Roman Republic and the rise of Julius Caesar. Ryan Holiday repeatedly recommended the book on The Daily Stoic, noting that it provides essential historical context showing how Caesar crossing the Rubicon was the culmination of long-term institutional decay rather than a sudden impulse. Holiday praised the work when speaking with guests like Steven Pressfield, using it to analyze the erosion of societal norms and political stability. Furthermore, Holiday discussed the book with Professor Josiah Osgood on the podcast, utilizing Duncan's research to debate the actions of historical figures like Cato and Caesar. The podcast hosts emphasized the book as a vital warning and educational tool for understanding how democratic and republican institutions can unravel from within.
Who recommended it
- Ryan Holiday Recommended
Ryan Holiday — 3 mentions
“one of my favorite books is this book called The Storm before the storm and uh the idea is that we kind of just see Caesar Crossing the Rubicon one day as if it it just popped into his head as if there wasn't all this history and all these other events leading up to this other major event yes”
“so there's this great book by uh Mike Duncan called the storm before the storm”
“have you read a Mike Duncan's book The Storm before the storm”