Cleopatra

Michael Grant did a great job of detailing the family members of Cleopatra while lending perspective to how Ptolemaic society & government worked. The hierarchy, politics & plotlines are all covered in depth that doesn't bore the reader. A thought provoking & entertaining read.

for me anyway. I received this book as part of a collection put together on women in history. I had never read much on Cleopatra, which is surprising because since childhood I have read extensively on Ancient Greece and Egypt, but never more than touched on the subject of Cleopatra, so my prior knowledge of her was the legend, ie. the seduction of Julius Caesar, a life of sumptuous life and sensuous extravagance, and eventual suicide. Mr. Grant's research takes us through what little we know of her as a person, and blends that neatly together with a comprehensive and detailed analysis of the political, religious and social conditions of that time. Some of his suppositions are nothing short of tantalizing. Whether you've read it all or are looking to find a definitive book on Cleopatra, this is the one! Since reading this book, I have picked up many others on Cleopatra; unfortunately the information is scant. This book has by far been the most satisfying read yet.

This little known biography of Cleopatra VII and her times is magnificent. Grant's book as an attempt at an historical biography of this most famous queen that is not colored by the propaganda that was circulated by Rome and that has persisted even until today, is an unmitigated success. Grant's Cleopatra rings more true to the ear and the mind. Reminding us the Cleopatra was not a beautiful woman (although this belief of beauty has lately been called into question) but a powerful monarch who ruled her country well, was loved by all her subjects and stood toe to toe with Rome when the world was caving to their influence. He reminds us that Cleopatra and Mark Anthony almost won. That Cleopatra was one of, if not the most educated woman of her time; speaking at least five or six languages of which the most notable was Latin, Greek and she was the first Ptolemy to speak Egyptian. From her birth to her ascension and ultimately her death Grant is spot on. He diligently explains the Egyptian monarchy and government under the Ptolemy's, how this success in government allowed Egypt to be the richest country during its time and how this shaped the outcome of the inevitable stand off with the chronically bankrupt Rome. I loved this book.

Cleopatra is a fascinating figure... renowned as a patron of arts and learning, a gifted linguist, and a canny politicians, she is too often remembered as a sex kitten. Grant cuts thru the myths, pro- and anti propaganda to deliver what is probably the best biography on Cleopatra. Writen by one of the marquee lights of classical history, the book is written in academic style, although for the most part it is highly readable. To be honest, I found the first preliminary chapters to be somewhat slow going, but once the story begins it takes off like a grand soap opera. Not as splashy as some other works on the great queen, this is *the* place to go for a detailed, comprehensive look at Cleopatra.

When it comes to ancient history, Michael Grant is the greatest! I've read several of his other books and he never fails to amuse and inform. His book on Cleopatra is informative as well as entertaining. Cleopatra was a Greek Macedonian ruler of Egypt with a deep love for culture and powerful men. Her liaisons with Caesar and Antony are very well described, as are her achievements as queen. Mr. Grant is truly the greatest!

All of Grant's books are becoming classics,he is the premier true storyteller,factual and fascinating, all his books are collectible must reads!