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Cleopatra and Antony: Power, Love, and Politics in the Ancient World
The story of the world's best-remembered celebrity couple, set against the political backdrop of their time.
On a stiflingly hot day in August 30 b.c., the thirty-nine-year-old queen of Egypt, Cleopatra, took her own life rather than be paraded in chains through Rome by her conqueror, Octavian--the future first emperor, Augustus. A few days earlier, her lover of eleven years, Mark Antony, had himself committed suicide and died in her arms. Oceans of mythology have grown up around them, all of which Diana Preston explores in her stirring history of the lives and times of a couple whose names--more than two millennia later--still invoke passion, curiosity, and intrigue.
Preston views the drama and romance of Cleopatra and Antony's personal lives as an integral part of the great military, political, and ideological struggle that culminated in the full-fledged rise of the Roman Empire, joined east and west. Perhaps not until Joanna in fourteenth-century Naples or Elizabeth I of England would another woman show such political shrewdness and staying power as did Cleopatra during her years atop the throne of Egypt. Her lengthy affair with Julius Caesar linked the might of Egypt with that of Rome; in the aftermath of the civil war that erupted following Caesar's murder, her alliance with Antony, and his subsequent split with Octavian, set the stage for the end of the Republic.
With the keen eye for detail, abundant insight, and storytelling skill that have won awards for her previous books, Diana Preston sheds new light on a vitally important period in Western history. Indeed, had Cleopatra and Antony managed to win the battle of Actium, the centuries that followed, which included the life of Jesus himself, could well have played out differently.
On a stiflingly hot day in August 30 b.c., the thirty-nine-year-old queen of Egypt, Cleopatra, took her own life rather than be paraded in chains through Rome by her conqueror, Octavian--the future first emperor, Augustus. A few days earlier, her lover of eleven years, Mark Antony, had himself committed suicide and died in her arms. Oceans of mythology have grown up around them, all of which Diana Preston explores in her stirring history of the lives and times of a couple whose names--more than two millennia later--still invoke passion, curiosity, and intrigue.
Preston views the drama and romance of Cleopatra and Antony's personal lives as an integral part of the great military, political, and ideological struggle that culminated in the full-fledged rise of the Roman Empire, joined east and west. Perhaps not until Joanna in fourteenth-century Naples or Elizabeth I of England would another woman show such political shrewdness and staying power as did Cleopatra during her years atop the throne of Egypt. Her lengthy affair with Julius Caesar linked the might of Egypt with that of Rome; in the aftermath of the civil war that erupted following Caesar's murder, her alliance with Antony, and his subsequent split with Octavian, set the stage for the end of the Republic.
With the keen eye for detail, abundant insight, and storytelling skill that have won awards for her previous books, Diana Preston sheds new light on a vitally important period in Western history. Indeed, had Cleopatra and Antony managed to win the battle of Actium, the centuries that followed, which included the life of Jesus himself, could well have played out differently.
352 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2008
32 people are currently reading
3244 people want to read
About the author
Diana Preston
42 books116 followersBorn and raised in London, Diana Preston studied Modern History at Oxford University, where she first became involved in journalism. After earning her degree, she became a freelance writer of feature and travel articles for national UK newspapers and magazines and has subsequently reviewed books for a number of publications, including The Wall Street Journal and The Los Angeles Times. She has also been a broadcaster for the BBC and the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, and has been featured in various television documentaries.
Eight years ago, her decision to write "popular" history led her to The Road to Culloden Moor: Bonnie Prince Charlie and the '45 Rebellion (Constable UK, 1995). It was followed by A First Rate Tragedy: Robert Falcon Scott and the Race to the South Pole (Houghton Mifflin, 1998), The Boxer Rebellion (Walker & Company, 2000), Lusitania: An Epic Tragedy (Walker & Company, 2002) and now, Before The Fallout: From Marie Curie to Hiroshima.
In choosing her topics, Preston looks for stories and events which are both compelling in their own right and also help readers gain a wider understanding of the past. She is fascinated by the human experience-what motivates people to think and act as they do‹and the individual stories that comprise the larger historical picture. Preston spent over two years researching Lusitania: An Epic Tragedy. She did a remarkable amount of original research for the book, and is the first author to make full use of the German archives and newly discovered papers that illuminate both the human tragedy and subsequent plots to cover up what really happened. Preston traveled to all the key locations of the tragedy, experiencing firsthand how cold the water off the Irish coast near Cobh would have been in early May when the Lusitania sank, and how eerie it was to stand inside what remains of the U-20 (now at the Strandingsmuseum in West Jutland, Denmark) where the U-boat captain watched the Lusitania through his periscope and gave the order to fire. Of the many artifacts she reviewed, it was her extensive reading of the diaries and memoirs of survivors that had the biggest impact on her. The experience of looking at photographs and touching the scraps of clothing of both survivors and those who died when the Lusitania sank provided her with chilling pictures: The heartbreaking image of a young girl whose sister's hand slipped away from her was one that kept Preston up at night.
When not writing, Preston is an avid traveler with her husband, Michael. Together, they have sojourned throughout India, Asia, Africa, and Antarctica, and have climbed Mount Kinabalu in Borneo, Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, and Mount Roraima in Venezuela. Their adventures have also included gorilla-tracking in Zaire and camping their way across the Namibian desert.
Diana and Michael Preston live in London, England.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
November 30, 2009
Despite the title, the book is less about Cleopatra and Antony, and more simply about the Romans, in particular Caeser, Antony, and Octavian.
And that, in short, is my only problem with this book.
Preston writes in her introduction that Cleopatra deserves first place when listing the couple and that much of what we know about Cleopatra comes from Octavian's propganda machine. Considering this and the title itself, one would think that the book delivers Cleopatra and Antony from the propganda machine.
One would be half right.
Preston does a very good job in redeeming Antony and showing him to be more than just a drunk who liked a good time. Too often, regardless of a pro Cleopatra or Pro Octavian camp, writers make Antony into a worthless jerk. Preston does not do that.
But Cleopatra isn't really in the book.
And Preston keeps quoting the propganda without going into much depth about what might be wrong about it.
Preston's book is more about Roman politics, understandable considering how Cleopatra was in part influenced/ connected to Rome. The drawback to this, and it is a huge drawback, is that Cleopatra comes across as a woman who did little more than wait around for Caeser or Antony to show up. One even forgets about her. This cheapens her. She does not come across as a strong ruler because Preston spends so little time showcasing Cleopatra as ruling by herself. The reader sees Antony and the other Romans acting independently, but never really sees Cleopatra doing so. This absence is somewhat understandable, I suppose. Battles are more interesting than dealing with famines, but still more effect could have gone into the few, very few, Cleopatra sections of the book.
What is even worse about this presentation of Cleopatra is that it presents her solely from Roman eyes, making her little more than a flunkie and still defining her though a lens that is somewhat disinterested if not out right hostile. For a better book on Cleopatra in the context of her own culture, read Cleopatra Last Queen of Egypt.
This aside, the book outside of its treatment of Cleopatra is quite enjoyable. Preston does a very good job at explaining Roman politics without confusing the reader or sounding boring. She also has a bunch of interesting facts that I did not know. Like, for instance, that gladiators had to wear appartatuses to stop them from any sexual indulgence a week before they fought (it sounds painful). The footnotes are wonderfully and amusing. Additionally, despite the absence of Cleopatra, Preston does spend time describing Cleopatra's family tree. I don't know why they are remaking I, Claudius when they could be doing a very nice version with the Ptolemies. The Ptolemies really knew how to do soap opera.
So three stars due to a lack of Cleo, but still a good book to read if you are interested in the time period.
And that, in short, is my only problem with this book.
Preston writes in her introduction that Cleopatra deserves first place when listing the couple and that much of what we know about Cleopatra comes from Octavian's propganda machine. Considering this and the title itself, one would think that the book delivers Cleopatra and Antony from the propganda machine.
One would be half right.
Preston does a very good job in redeeming Antony and showing him to be more than just a drunk who liked a good time. Too often, regardless of a pro Cleopatra or Pro Octavian camp, writers make Antony into a worthless jerk. Preston does not do that.
But Cleopatra isn't really in the book.
And Preston keeps quoting the propganda without going into much depth about what might be wrong about it.
Preston's book is more about Roman politics, understandable considering how Cleopatra was in part influenced/ connected to Rome. The drawback to this, and it is a huge drawback, is that Cleopatra comes across as a woman who did little more than wait around for Caeser or Antony to show up. One even forgets about her. This cheapens her. She does not come across as a strong ruler because Preston spends so little time showcasing Cleopatra as ruling by herself. The reader sees Antony and the other Romans acting independently, but never really sees Cleopatra doing so. This absence is somewhat understandable, I suppose. Battles are more interesting than dealing with famines, but still more effect could have gone into the few, very few, Cleopatra sections of the book.
What is even worse about this presentation of Cleopatra is that it presents her solely from Roman eyes, making her little more than a flunkie and still defining her though a lens that is somewhat disinterested if not out right hostile. For a better book on Cleopatra in the context of her own culture, read Cleopatra Last Queen of Egypt.
This aside, the book outside of its treatment of Cleopatra is quite enjoyable. Preston does a very good job at explaining Roman politics without confusing the reader or sounding boring. She also has a bunch of interesting facts that I did not know. Like, for instance, that gladiators had to wear appartatuses to stop them from any sexual indulgence a week before they fought (it sounds painful). The footnotes are wonderfully and amusing. Additionally, despite the absence of Cleopatra, Preston does spend time describing Cleopatra's family tree. I don't know why they are remaking I, Claudius when they could be doing a very nice version with the Ptolemies. The Ptolemies really knew how to do soap opera.
So three stars due to a lack of Cleo, but still a good book to read if you are interested in the time period.
September 8, 2020
An entertaining and straightforward dual biography.
There isn’t any new material, of course, and Antony and Cleopatra as a couple make up a relatively small part of the book, but Preston does a good job making everything accessible for the general reader. A lot of the book deals with Rome (more so than Egypt), and how Cleopatra tried to use her personal connections with Romans to save Egypt from becoming a colony of Rome. She portrays Cleopatra and Antony as intelligent and capable, and does a good job setting their stories into the context of Roman foreign policy and domestic politics.
Preston’s writing is clear, and she succeeds in packing a lot of detail without overwhelming the reader. Her analysis is evenhanded, and Preston’s coverage is mostly unsentimental. At times, she uses some slightly annoying slang, and there could have been a little more on the situation in Egypt when Cleopatra was on her own. She also writes that Egypt was uniquely Octavian’s property when he took over, but this seems exaggerated, since he had imperial estates elsewhere as well.
As the title suggests, Preston argues that Cleopatra was the more important of the duo, and tries to portray Cleopatra as concerned for her subjects, their welfare, and their prosperity. Unfortunately, Preston can’t really support these ideas with much evidence. She can, however, show how much Cleopatra was concerned for her throne and her tax revenue, and how dependent her land, wealth and power was on Rome’s favor (and Antony’s). Cleopatra wasn’t an autonomous ruler of an independent power, or a Roman ally on equal terms. She ruled a lot of territory, but much of it was a gift from Rome and she needed Roman support to secure her hold on it. The Ptolemies needed Roman support to stay in power, and it had been that way for at least a century before Cleopatra became queen. Cleopatra might have been a successful puppet, but she was still a puppet.
Still, a vivid, well-written and well-researched work.
There isn’t any new material, of course, and Antony and Cleopatra as a couple make up a relatively small part of the book, but Preston does a good job making everything accessible for the general reader. A lot of the book deals with Rome (more so than Egypt), and how Cleopatra tried to use her personal connections with Romans to save Egypt from becoming a colony of Rome. She portrays Cleopatra and Antony as intelligent and capable, and does a good job setting their stories into the context of Roman foreign policy and domestic politics.
Preston’s writing is clear, and she succeeds in packing a lot of detail without overwhelming the reader. Her analysis is evenhanded, and Preston’s coverage is mostly unsentimental. At times, she uses some slightly annoying slang, and there could have been a little more on the situation in Egypt when Cleopatra was on her own. She also writes that Egypt was uniquely Octavian’s property when he took over, but this seems exaggerated, since he had imperial estates elsewhere as well.
As the title suggests, Preston argues that Cleopatra was the more important of the duo, and tries to portray Cleopatra as concerned for her subjects, their welfare, and their prosperity. Unfortunately, Preston can’t really support these ideas with much evidence. She can, however, show how much Cleopatra was concerned for her throne and her tax revenue, and how dependent her land, wealth and power was on Rome’s favor (and Antony’s). Cleopatra wasn’t an autonomous ruler of an independent power, or a Roman ally on equal terms. She ruled a lot of territory, but much of it was a gift from Rome and she needed Roman support to secure her hold on it. The Ptolemies needed Roman support to stay in power, and it had been that way for at least a century before Cleopatra became queen. Cleopatra might have been a successful puppet, but she was still a puppet.
Still, a vivid, well-written and well-researched work.
October 24, 2017
This book was such ă pleasant reading! It fills in the missing pieces from history lessons in an interesting way!
Very well documented and full of new (for me) details about Anthony, Cleopatra ,Caesar and also about ancient Rome and Egypt, the power struggles, various sexual and religious customs during those days!
the book begins with the history of Cleopatra s family, the Ptolomeic Dynasty, gets to Iulius Caesar road from a simple political figure to one of Rome's greatest warriors , tell's the story of Antony's rise and fall!
Cleopatra s portrait is both flattering and inspiring! We are shown a powerful and independent woman who uses both her wit and feminity to seduce and keep Caesar and Antony, and also her kingdoms borders and independence in a male dominated world!
I world recommend this book to everyone and I look forward to reading more from Diana Preston!
Very well documented and full of new (for me) details about Anthony, Cleopatra ,Caesar and also about ancient Rome and Egypt, the power struggles, various sexual and religious customs during those days!
the book begins with the history of Cleopatra s family, the Ptolomeic Dynasty, gets to Iulius Caesar road from a simple political figure to one of Rome's greatest warriors , tell's the story of Antony's rise and fall!
Cleopatra s portrait is both flattering and inspiring! We are shown a powerful and independent woman who uses both her wit and feminity to seduce and keep Caesar and Antony, and also her kingdoms borders and independence in a male dominated world!
I world recommend this book to everyone and I look forward to reading more from Diana Preston!
July 28, 2009
This is a well written and detailed work outlining the arc of the relationship between Roman leader Mark Antony and Egyptian queen Cleopatra. For those interested in this couple--and the context in which their relationship developed--will find this a good book to read.
The context for the Antony-Cleopatra liaison is well recorded. The civil wars in Rome, featuring leaders such as Marius, Sulla, Pompey, Crassus, Caesar, are well described, outlining the nasty internal turmoil roiling Rome and its expanding empire. So, too, the development of the Ptolemaic dynasty in Egypt, beginning with one of Alexander the Great's commanders, running down to Cleopatra. Another story of intrigue, double-crossing, and civil war. Uneasy was the person in power--whether in Rome or in Egypt.
This work focuses on Cleopatra's survival in a treacherous context in Egypt, as well as her strategic cunning in figuring out how to survive and prosper. One of her first major coups was her conquering Julius Caesar himself and (probably) bearing him a son. He became her (and Egypt's) protector--until he was assassinated on the Ideas of March.
There followed in Rome a dance for power, among people such as Octavian (later, Augustus), Mark Antony, Cassius, Brutus, and Pompey's son, among others. Cleopatra developed a relationship with Mark Antony, as she tied herself to him. The slowly deteriorating partnership between Octavian and Antony, the battle for who would become the undisputed leader of Rom, and the last days of Cleopatra and Antony. A story well told. . . .
For those interested in Cleopatra and her daily double of liaisons with Caesar and Antony, this should be a good book. There is considerable speculation here, some of which may not be grounded (but the author is pretty careful in noting what we do know and what is assumption and inference).
The context for the Antony-Cleopatra liaison is well recorded. The civil wars in Rome, featuring leaders such as Marius, Sulla, Pompey, Crassus, Caesar, are well described, outlining the nasty internal turmoil roiling Rome and its expanding empire. So, too, the development of the Ptolemaic dynasty in Egypt, beginning with one of Alexander the Great's commanders, running down to Cleopatra. Another story of intrigue, double-crossing, and civil war. Uneasy was the person in power--whether in Rome or in Egypt.
This work focuses on Cleopatra's survival in a treacherous context in Egypt, as well as her strategic cunning in figuring out how to survive and prosper. One of her first major coups was her conquering Julius Caesar himself and (probably) bearing him a son. He became her (and Egypt's) protector--until he was assassinated on the Ideas of March.
There followed in Rome a dance for power, among people such as Octavian (later, Augustus), Mark Antony, Cassius, Brutus, and Pompey's son, among others. Cleopatra developed a relationship with Mark Antony, as she tied herself to him. The slowly deteriorating partnership between Octavian and Antony, the battle for who would become the undisputed leader of Rom, and the last days of Cleopatra and Antony. A story well told. . . .
For those interested in Cleopatra and her daily double of liaisons with Caesar and Antony, this should be a good book. There is considerable speculation here, some of which may not be grounded (but the author is pretty careful in noting what we do know and what is assumption and inference).
September 6, 2023
Nu a fost cum ma așteptam. Mi s-a părut mai degrabă despre Cezar, Antoniu si Roma decat despre Cleopatra, care a părut mereu in umbra lor.
January 1, 2015
The title of this book is extremely misleading. I have read a great deal on the topic of Cleopatra and was [foolishly] hoping that the title would be accurate and perhaps I would gain more knowledge of this powerful couple. However, the majority of the book is centered around Roman maneuvers, so much so that Cleopatra and Antony are barely mentioned in the first half of the book. The very beginning does go into the details of Cleopatra's heritage/family tree. Even in this there is a great deal of Roman intrusion on the writing. I am well aware of the importance and scope of the Roman Empire during this time period and I am not trying to decrease its importance. However, the title clearly indicates the body of work would revolve around Cleopatra but she is barely visible until the late stages of the book. Even in her appearances she seems to be diminished somewhat by the presence of Caesar and Antony.
I do believe that the author did a good job of filtering the Roman propaganda of the time, which did all in its power to minimize, insult and demonize Cleopatra. The author also portrayed Antony in a more neutral light than most biographers tend towards. Antony is often the victim of similar Roman propaganda, although not to the extreme of Cleopatra since he was still considered one of their own. Despite the author's neutrality I still cannot find a reason to tolerate Octavian.
I did find that the author included historical works that are not often included in others, such as insults between key players of the time and in-depth passages from historians of the time. It is rather interesting to see that despite the time separating us, little has changed in terms of attitudes, insults and general behavior. I still find it fascinating that when you read of the time of the Roman Empire, little has changed aside from fewer beheadings and armies taking over the streets. You think people have evolved? Not much, if at all.
While reading Cleopatra and Antony I could not help but think of the historical novel The Memoirs Of Cleopatra. The accounts in the historical fiction account by Margaret George are largely identical to those in this non-fiction piece, although it is more entertaining, less dry and less bogged down in political maneuvering. Overall, despite it being HF, it could easy give one a great deal of knowledge of Cleopatra, as far as ancient and current historians have been able to tell. But I for one am impatiently waiting for the tombs of Cleopatra and Antony to be discovered in hopes of even more light being shone on the two lives. Archeologists continue to tease with the potential finding of such tombs and I for one wait with bated breath!
I do believe that the author did a good job of filtering the Roman propaganda of the time, which did all in its power to minimize, insult and demonize Cleopatra. The author also portrayed Antony in a more neutral light than most biographers tend towards. Antony is often the victim of similar Roman propaganda, although not to the extreme of Cleopatra since he was still considered one of their own. Despite the author's neutrality I still cannot find a reason to tolerate Octavian.
I did find that the author included historical works that are not often included in others, such as insults between key players of the time and in-depth passages from historians of the time. It is rather interesting to see that despite the time separating us, little has changed in terms of attitudes, insults and general behavior. I still find it fascinating that when you read of the time of the Roman Empire, little has changed aside from fewer beheadings and armies taking over the streets. You think people have evolved? Not much, if at all.
While reading Cleopatra and Antony I could not help but think of the historical novel The Memoirs Of Cleopatra. The accounts in the historical fiction account by Margaret George are largely identical to those in this non-fiction piece, although it is more entertaining, less dry and less bogged down in political maneuvering. Overall, despite it being HF, it could easy give one a great deal of knowledge of Cleopatra, as far as ancient and current historians have been able to tell. But I for one am impatiently waiting for the tombs of Cleopatra and Antony to be discovered in hopes of even more light being shone on the two lives. Archeologists continue to tease with the potential finding of such tombs and I for one wait with bated breath!
April 8, 2013
I'm not sure how you can make a book about Cleopatra and Anthony boring, but Diana Preston gave it the "college try."
This book is pretty much a rehash of every blah book you've ever read or heard about that dealt in passing with Cleopatra, Anthony, Octavian, and Julius Caesar. It's nothing new, nothing revelatory, and nothing that interesting.
Preston reassures us over and over about the great love that Anthony and Cleopatra shared, which they very well may. However, I'm going to need more than "because of their great love" and "omigod Anthony loved her" to get that point across. And to be honest, I'm not sure I that much care if they loved each other or not. They were political partners and they definitely had "relations," and it is those facts that changed history, not if they were carving "C+A" into every tree.
Another big problem I had with this book is that for a book saying it's about Cleo and Tony, they didn't even meet until approximately half way through the book. I'm always suspicious of a relatively (350+) book about a big subject when the author doesn't get to the title until way into the book. I always wonder if the author didn't have enough to really write about what was the best title to sell the book. Given that Preston provides not a single footnote, I am in no way to judge her researching skills. The footnotes given are usually there to add salacious details to minor details--I started to hate them.
The book drags. I hated reading this book. By page 200, I was slogging through it like it was a vat of maple syrup and my legs were made of waffles. I finished it because...well I had bought it and I really should finish it, right? I hate not finishing a book. It's just sitting out there...and you can't be done. Even in bad relationships, I need the closure of saying "no really, you're done"--I can't just stop calling. With a bad book, or at least a mediocre one, I need the closure of turning the last page, writing a review, and happily deleting the book from my e-reader.
This book is pretty much a rehash of every blah book you've ever read or heard about that dealt in passing with Cleopatra, Anthony, Octavian, and Julius Caesar. It's nothing new, nothing revelatory, and nothing that interesting.
Preston reassures us over and over about the great love that Anthony and Cleopatra shared, which they very well may. However, I'm going to need more than "because of their great love" and "omigod Anthony loved her" to get that point across. And to be honest, I'm not sure I that much care if they loved each other or not. They were political partners and they definitely had "relations," and it is those facts that changed history, not if they were carving "C+A" into every tree.
Another big problem I had with this book is that for a book saying it's about Cleo and Tony, they didn't even meet until approximately half way through the book. I'm always suspicious of a relatively (350+) book about a big subject when the author doesn't get to the title until way into the book. I always wonder if the author didn't have enough to really write about what was the best title to sell the book. Given that Preston provides not a single footnote, I am in no way to judge her researching skills. The footnotes given are usually there to add salacious details to minor details--I started to hate them.
The book drags. I hated reading this book. By page 200, I was slogging through it like it was a vat of maple syrup and my legs were made of waffles. I finished it because...well I had bought it and I really should finish it, right? I hate not finishing a book. It's just sitting out there...and you can't be done. Even in bad relationships, I need the closure of saying "no really, you're done"--I can't just stop calling. With a bad book, or at least a mediocre one, I need the closure of turning the last page, writing a review, and happily deleting the book from my e-reader.
July 8, 2011
This book was very well researched. It isn't riveting, but, definitely, intellectually stimulating. It reads a little dry, but I would recommend it to anyone with an interest in Egyptian or Roman history.
There is an error in the book. The author states the Cleopatra did not have black African ancestry. However, new evidence has shown this to be false. The remains of her sister, Princess Arsinöe, have been identified. Studies of her skull, including reconstruction, show that she was of mixed ancestry including ancient Egyptian and black African.
Also, I do not like the use of the word niggardly. I know that we can debate as to whether "niggardly" and "nigger" are etymologically related, but why bother? Controversies in the late 90's show, clearly, that the word is offensive to many people. If an American author uses that word, he/she does so knowing that it will offend some. The choice to use offensive language makes sense to me if it develops a character. In this case, the word stingy or some other synonym would have worked just fine.
There is an error in the book. The author states the Cleopatra did not have black African ancestry. However, new evidence has shown this to be false. The remains of her sister, Princess Arsinöe, have been identified. Studies of her skull, including reconstruction, show that she was of mixed ancestry including ancient Egyptian and black African.
Also, I do not like the use of the word niggardly. I know that we can debate as to whether "niggardly" and "nigger" are etymologically related, but why bother? Controversies in the late 90's show, clearly, that the word is offensive to many people. If an American author uses that word, he/she does so knowing that it will offend some. The choice to use offensive language makes sense to me if it develops a character. In this case, the word stingy or some other synonym would have worked just fine.
August 28, 2021
Title is vaguely misleading as this book isn't wholly about Cleopatra and Antony, but it does put their stories and relationship into the wider context of the world around them. It's a very good survey about the politics surrounding the fall of the Roman Republic, contextualizing both Cleopatra and Antony's rise to respective power and how they eventually came together. Like others have said, there's not as much about Cleopatra herself as the title might lead you to believe, but it doesn't mean it's a bad book - it's fairly informative of the time period, especially if you have zero context of these two to begin with. It provides a solid backdrop about the Ptolemies and Caesar and the build up to the titular figures' rise and fall, but keep in mind there is a lot of that backdrop and descriptions of the Roman political situation more than anything else. (Which is interesting! Just maybe not what someone reading the name of the book is looking for.) A very fun, easy read about one of my favorite time periods in history.
September 14, 2020
"We lived, didn't we?"
October 23, 2017
While Cleopatra is supposed to have centre stage (thus the C & A of the title instead of our usual A & C), the reality of the times was that men were the power in Roman society however much influence women wielded in a subtle way. And so we have a strongly written account of the politics, warfare, diplomacy, and economics in her time. Preston's canvas is huge and so not only do we get the "usual" parry and thrust of the big events but she takes time to fill in the social, religious, familial and even sexual milieu in which these giants of the time operated. There's even a delightful 2 pages detailing the eating habits of Romans and showing how Egypt was a major source of supply for their tables (and a recipe as well). That's why I really found this an exemplary book because I came away with a real sense of the times as well as a thorough understanding not only of who did what to whom but, from the contemporary sources she uses, suggestions of why. Preston's style is engaging and easy reading and I'm not surprised given her all-encompassing view of times Roman, that her other books are as eclectic in subject matter as they are. I look forward to reading more of her work.
April 29, 2010
I really loved this book. This book filled a gap in my education. It fleshed out the story of Cleopatra and Caesar and then Cleopatra and Antony, presenting historical background and intimate details in a continually interesting and compelling style. It closes with a projection of how the world might have been, had Antony and Cleopatra, rather condemning themselves to death, ruled the world. A provocative ending to the gripping, dramatic and tragic story of their lives.
May 27, 2009
Very readable so far. I like the little details. Unfortunately less of a cultural history and more of just a history history. And not really much about Cleo, either.
December 21, 2016
I have become more and more interested in Ancient Roman and want to learn more about this most pronounced time period in European history. While there is a plethora of information to learn about the Romans, much the more well known lessons center around Julius Caesar. After reading Caesar: Life of a Colossus, I had a respectable foundation of knowledge for a part time history buff about the relationship between Caesar and Cleopatra.
Despite this background, I was still able to learn in much more detail about the relationship between Julius and Cleopatra. It was surprising to me to learn that Caesar had a religious statue of Cleopatra erected in the Temple of Venus in the City of Rome. In addition to this, I never realized that she was present in Rome during the assassination of Caesar and had to skedaddle with a sense of urgency after Brutus and company finished the deed.
Information concerning the conflict between Caesar and Pompey and to a bit of a lesser extent the war between Antony and Octavian was not that particularly novel to me. However, I was able to learn a lot concerning the history of the Ptolemy family (which would probably make even Frank Underwood blush), more about the history and culture of Alexandria, Mark Antony's invasion of Parthia, and greater detail about the relationship between Antony and Cleopatra.
My feelings towards this book went back and forth depending on whether or not I was learning something new. Any section the expanded my understanding of the Ancient world kept me turning the page. Sections that were review for me left me not fully enthusiastic to continue on. Despite my critiques, I found the writing style Diana Preston most agreeable. It contained plenty of information that was presented in factual and engaging manner that made me both trust the author as a source of knowledge and want to continue reading.
After this book, I plan to try to find her book about the Boxer Rebellion.
Despite this background, I was still able to learn in much more detail about the relationship between Julius and Cleopatra. It was surprising to me to learn that Caesar had a religious statue of Cleopatra erected in the Temple of Venus in the City of Rome. In addition to this, I never realized that she was present in Rome during the assassination of Caesar and had to skedaddle with a sense of urgency after Brutus and company finished the deed.
Information concerning the conflict between Caesar and Pompey and to a bit of a lesser extent the war between Antony and Octavian was not that particularly novel to me. However, I was able to learn a lot concerning the history of the Ptolemy family (which would probably make even Frank Underwood blush), more about the history and culture of Alexandria, Mark Antony's invasion of Parthia, and greater detail about the relationship between Antony and Cleopatra.
My feelings towards this book went back and forth depending on whether or not I was learning something new. Any section the expanded my understanding of the Ancient world kept me turning the page. Sections that were review for me left me not fully enthusiastic to continue on. Despite my critiques, I found the writing style Diana Preston most agreeable. It contained plenty of information that was presented in factual and engaging manner that made me both trust the author as a source of knowledge and want to continue reading.
After this book, I plan to try to find her book about the Boxer Rebellion.
March 26, 2023
Cartea pe care cititorul o are azi în față nu este doar o relatare alertă și sensibilă a unei mari iubiri, ci o evocare captivantă a pasiunilor care au dominat câteva personaje ilustre ale sfârșitului republicii romane – Cezar, Pompei, Marc Antoniu și mai ales regina Egiptului, Cleopatra. Într-un cumul de sentimente dintre cele mai puternice, toți actorii acestei drame sunt stăpâniți în egală măsură de rațiunea rece, nu o dată cinică, oricum necruțătoare, a politicului exacerbat și de un ocean de pasiuni însumate într-o mare iubire.
Marele merit al cărții este, desigur, acela de a regândi istoria crizei și sfârșitului republicii, de la Primul Triumvirat la triumful final al lui Octavian, prin prisma unor biografii care se întâlnesc și se înfruntă, ceea ce îi redă culorile violente și interesul pasionant pe care orice carte de istorie cu
adevărat bună trebuie să-l suscite. Mai mult însă, printr-o inversare semnificativă a termenilor tradiționali, autoarea ne invită să reflectăm la destinul reginei Cleopatra ca personaj central al acestor evenimente. Fără să fie cu totul inedită în ansamblul producției literare și istorice referitoare la șirul de războaie civile care au marcat tranziția de la republică la imperiu, această alegere – consonantă și cu perspectivele înnoitoare ale unei istorii la feminin, dar și, lucru esențial, cu realitatea istorică a perioadei evocate – devine o istorie, nu a lui Antoniu și a Cleopatrei, cum voia încă Shakespeare, ci a Cleopatrei și a lui Antoniu: o lectură modernă și incitantă a faptelor, care
arată clar că, în cariera lui Marc Antoniu, poate și mai mult decât în cea a lui Cezar, Cleopatra e departe de a fi un deuteragonist. Regina Cleopatra a Egiptului nu a fost niciodată o mică și iscusită închinătoare la pisicile sacre, cum o descrie Bernard Shaw, și nicio Elizabeth Taylor avant la lettre a
Antichității, o mult prea feminină și exotică amantă, cum ne-o înfățișează filmele pe ecran panoramic. Cu atât mai puțin a fost demonul seducător pe care istoricii romani ni-l dezvăluie drept cauză a tuturor relelor.
Marele merit al cărții este, desigur, acela de a regândi istoria crizei și sfârșitului republicii, de la Primul Triumvirat la triumful final al lui Octavian, prin prisma unor biografii care se întâlnesc și se înfruntă, ceea ce îi redă culorile violente și interesul pasionant pe care orice carte de istorie cu
adevărat bună trebuie să-l suscite. Mai mult însă, printr-o inversare semnificativă a termenilor tradiționali, autoarea ne invită să reflectăm la destinul reginei Cleopatra ca personaj central al acestor evenimente. Fără să fie cu totul inedită în ansamblul producției literare și istorice referitoare la șirul de războaie civile care au marcat tranziția de la republică la imperiu, această alegere – consonantă și cu perspectivele înnoitoare ale unei istorii la feminin, dar și, lucru esențial, cu realitatea istorică a perioadei evocate – devine o istorie, nu a lui Antoniu și a Cleopatrei, cum voia încă Shakespeare, ci a Cleopatrei și a lui Antoniu: o lectură modernă și incitantă a faptelor, care
arată clar că, în cariera lui Marc Antoniu, poate și mai mult decât în cea a lui Cezar, Cleopatra e departe de a fi un deuteragonist. Regina Cleopatra a Egiptului nu a fost niciodată o mică și iscusită închinătoare la pisicile sacre, cum o descrie Bernard Shaw, și nicio Elizabeth Taylor avant la lettre a
Antichității, o mult prea feminină și exotică amantă, cum ne-o înfățișează filmele pe ecran panoramic. Cu atât mai puțin a fost demonul seducător pe care istoricii romani ni-l dezvăluie drept cauză a tuturor relelor.
August 1, 2022
Plutarco diz que, na realidade, Cleópatra não era uma grande beleza. As pessoas não paravam na rua para olhá-la. Mas, em compensação, transbordava de magnetismo, inteligência e comunicação. O timbre de sua voz tinha tal doçura que encantava todos que a ouviam. E sua língua, prossegue o historiador, se adaptava ao idioma que quisesse como um instrumento musical de muitas cordas. Era capaz de falar com etíopes, hebreus, medos, sírios e partos. Astuta e bem informada, Cleópatra ganhou vários embates na luta pelo poder dentro e fora do seu país, embora tenha perdido a batalha decisiva. O problema é que só se falou dela pelo lado inimigo.
Marco Antônio e a paixão
Quando Marco Antônio se considerava prestes a governar o mundo, quis deslumbrar Cleópatra com um grande presente. Sabia que nem ouro nem joias, nem banquetes conseguiriam acender uma luz de fascínio nos olhos de sua amante, que estava acostumada à fartura dessas coisas no dia a dia.
Cleópatra, na verdade, abominava a ignorância. Ela amava os livros.
Cego de amor, Marco Antônio escolheu um presente que Cleópatra jamais desdenharia com uma expressão de tédio: pôs aos pés dela 200 mil livros para a Grande Biblioteca. Os olhos de Cleópatra brilharam. Em Alexandria, os livros eram combustível para as paixões...
Marco Antônio e a paixão
Quando Marco Antônio se considerava prestes a governar o mundo, quis deslumbrar Cleópatra com um grande presente. Sabia que nem ouro nem joias, nem banquetes conseguiriam acender uma luz de fascínio nos olhos de sua amante, que estava acostumada à fartura dessas coisas no dia a dia.
Cleópatra, na verdade, abominava a ignorância. Ela amava os livros.
Cego de amor, Marco Antônio escolheu um presente que Cleópatra jamais desdenharia com uma expressão de tédio: pôs aos pés dela 200 mil livros para a Grande Biblioteca. Os olhos de Cleópatra brilharam. Em Alexandria, os livros eram combustível para as paixões...
September 10, 2022
DNF
While this book is touted as the story of Cleopatra and Antony it is not. The first half of the book spends much time dealing with Roman politics. I am aware that Cleopatra’s life and reign must be placed in context, but I think this was an overkill. There was too much emphasis and detail on Roman battles and wars, rather than on the complex relationship between the two countries. A family tree of the Ptolemies (Cleopatra’s family) would have been helpful in keeping track of who was who.
I read the first half and then skimmed the rest. Diana Preston does write well and everything flowed well without being too rushed. The footnotes helped to clarify historical data, especially around money. The appendix on the making of a bust of Cleopatra based on contemporary images was intriguing and gives a better feeling for this strong powerful woman. However, this wasn’t enough to make the book more engaging or interesting.
While this book is touted as the story of Cleopatra and Antony it is not. The first half of the book spends much time dealing with Roman politics. I am aware that Cleopatra’s life and reign must be placed in context, but I think this was an overkill. There was too much emphasis and detail on Roman battles and wars, rather than on the complex relationship between the two countries. A family tree of the Ptolemies (Cleopatra’s family) would have been helpful in keeping track of who was who.
I read the first half and then skimmed the rest. Diana Preston does write well and everything flowed well without being too rushed. The footnotes helped to clarify historical data, especially around money. The appendix on the making of a bust of Cleopatra based on contemporary images was intriguing and gives a better feeling for this strong powerful woman. However, this wasn’t enough to make the book more engaging or interesting.
November 19, 2017
[Audiobook version]
Informative and well-researched, but -- despite the title -- this is 90% about Roman politics. I picked this up because I wanted to know more about Cleopatra's life, not all the ins and outs of Rome. Her relationship with Mark Antony isn't even covered until about three quarters of the way in. Although tbh I found Cleopatra's relationship with Julius Caesar much more interesting. (I mean, their meet-cute is far superior, for a start.)
But it was worth listening to this just to hear an eighteen-year-old Caesar described as "this youth who wears his toga so loosely girdled" by Sulla. Some things never change: two millennia later, and folk still grumble about the louche fashion trends of youngsters.
Informative and well-researched, but -- despite the title -- this is 90% about Roman politics. I picked this up because I wanted to know more about Cleopatra's life, not all the ins and outs of Rome. Her relationship with Mark Antony isn't even covered until about three quarters of the way in. Although tbh I found Cleopatra's relationship with Julius Caesar much more interesting. (I mean, their meet-cute is far superior, for a start.)
But it was worth listening to this just to hear an eighteen-year-old Caesar described as "this youth who wears his toga so loosely girdled" by Sulla. Some things never change: two millennia later, and folk still grumble about the louche fashion trends of youngsters.
November 2, 2019
Several other reviews object this isn't enough about Cleopatra, but to me Preston's just putting the queen in context. We have the story of her dynasty and its long power struggles, her relationship with Caesar, the Roman power struggles in which Cleopatra and Egypt became entangled, and then the relationship with Antony. I don't think this sidelines Cleopatra: Preston shows her as an intelligent woman with a flair for orchestrating impressive displays (what seems liked excess to the Romans was a flamboyant display of her own divinity) and doing her best to position herself and Egypt in a Roman-dominated world.
This was dry, but good. Though if anyone wants a more Cleopatra-focused book, Lucy Hughes-Hallett's Cleopatra would probably work better
This was dry, but good. Though if anyone wants a more Cleopatra-focused book, Lucy Hughes-Hallett's Cleopatra would probably work better
July 3, 2018
77% Roman politics, 10% "Cleopatra and Antony REALLY loved each other," 13% interesting factual nuggets. Not exactly the deep dive into Cleo and Antony that you might be expecting from the title, but interesting nevertheless, even if Cleopatra does sort of linger backstage for way more of the book than I'd like.
December 12, 2019
3,5-4 stars - Like the other reviewers I was also disappointed in how little of the book featured Cleopatra. That said, there is an abundance of information on the two men who were romantically linked to her life and rule and very little (historically accurate) information about her. Also, a tad dry and should be read by those with at least some background in the time period. Not for novices.
January 12, 2019
I enjoyed Preston's style very much. I love how she integrates historical fact with careful prose. I'm a bit annoyed that over half the book dealt with Cesar only. It was a bit of an overkill for me and not the intended reason for choosing the book.
October 7, 2021
Fantasticly written, taking a World over 2,000 years old and explaining it in a way easy to comprehend and enjoy.
Cleopatra & Antony are widely misunderstood their story should be understood. This book does that effectively.
Cleopatra & Antony are widely misunderstood their story should be understood. This book does that effectively.
September 29, 2017
Extremely informative. Preston has made Cleopatra a human being once again.
April 29, 2018
I had high hopes & gave it until the Ides of March. Antony’s death scene was surprising.
June 13, 2018
Cleopatra and Antony is a book book of a love
July 7, 2018
One of the best books about Cleopatra since Michael Grant’s biography of her.
October 7, 2018
Long story short: a book about Antony and Cleopatra that's not engaging enough to make you forget it's mostly NOT about them.
October 18, 2022
Diana Preston is my favorite historian. I also recommend "Before the fallout "
January 5, 2023
Long AF but it was neat getting to read this while in Egypt. I started knowing where locations were and had even seen a specific statue mentioned in the book
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