[Boudicca (Ancients in Action)] [Author: Johnson, Marguerite] [July, 2012]

by Marguerite Johnson

Boudicca (Boadicea), Leader of the Iceni, is synonymous with rebellion and feminine strength, yet what we know of her is often far removed from the time in which she lived and the early authors who first wrote about her. In this new study, Marguerite Johnson returns to the original sources and interrogates them in order to unearth what the ancients thought of this most enigmatic heroine of British freedom. After a concise overview of Boudicca and the British rebellion against Rome, she turns to the writings of Tacitus and Dio and provides an in-depth analysis of their views on Boudicca and her people. These readings, which form the centrepiece of the book, are followed by an insightful series of readings of Boudicca post-antiquity, including the scant references to her in the writings that emerged after the fall of the Roman Empire to the most modern re-workings of this most fascinating of historical icons.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Historical, Womens, Feminism, Ancient History, Biography Memoir

Paperback

First published January 1, 2012

Reviews

[Nicholas George Setford · Rating 4 out of 5]

Boudicca, as seen through the words of Tacitus and later Dio! Through well researched comparisons, the author examines their writings about some of the other powerful women of those bloodthirsty times, Cartimandua, Messalina and Agrippina - it brings to light, especially in Tacitus a far more sympathetic and noble view of Boudicca than seems apparent at first! Also having stood below her statue on London Bridge, the day before I started reading the book, I also appreciated the last chapter’s background to the more modern adaptations of her story!

[Eve · Rating 5 out of 5]

very informative and exactly what i needed for my essay- so unbelievably interesting too! in such awe of what happened.

[Eirína · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing historical figure; woman at the head of a celtic hoard. What's not to like!