Cleopatra: The Queen who Challenged Rome and Conquered Eternity

by Alberto Angela Narrated by Derek Perkins

Overview

One of Italy's most revered cultural figures reconstructs the extraordinary life of the legendary Cleopatra at the height of her power in this epic story of passion, intrigue, betrayal, and war.

Our world today would not be the same without Cleopatra. While she is one of the most famous figures in history, the legendary Egyptian queen remains, in many ways, an enigma. In this mesmerizing history, Alberto Angela offers a fresh and dynamic portrait of this extraordinary ruler, revealing a strikingly modern woman born in an ancient era and skilled in the art of diplomacy and war, who would conquer the heart of a general-Marc Antony-and Rome itself.

Cleopatra*focuses on a twenty-year period that marked a sweeping change in Roman history, beginning with the assassination of Julius Caesar that led to the end of the Republic, and ending with the suicides of Antony and Cleopatra and the birth of the Augustan Empire. Angela brings the people, stories, customs, and traditions of this fascinating period alive as he transports us to the chaotic streets of the capital of the ancient world, the exotic port of Alexandria in Egypt, and to the bloody battlefields where an empire was won and lost.*

Meticulously researched and rich with vivid detail, this sweeping history, reminiscent of the works of Simon Schama, Mary Beard's*SPQR, and Tom Holland's*Rubicon, recreates this remarkable era and the woman at its turbulent center.

Translated from the Italian by Katherine Gregor

“[Cleopatra] combines scholarship with novelistic detail and character depth...[Alberto Angela] effectively draws on previous scholarship, wading through legend and myth to get at the truth of what actually occurred... a character-rich historical biography.” --*Kirkus

Supplemental enhancement PDF accompanies the audiobook.

Editorial Reviews

MAY 2021 - AudioFile

Narrator Derek Perkins brings the enigmatic Egyptian queen to life in scenes drawn from ancient historians. This extensive volume revealing the background and myths surrounding one of the most famous women in history is aided by Perkins's British intonation and authoritative tone. Cleopatra is not only beautiful and sexy, she also proves to be an equal match to Rome’s most powerful duo, Emperor Julius Caesar and General Marc Anthony, whose heart she won. As Perkins adds judicious pacing and dramatic pauses, no historic stone is left unturned in the detailed descriptions of busy Roman streets, gory battlefields, and sumptuous palaces. And it becomes clear that no woman wielded such power with as deft a touch, as sly a side-eye, or as crushing a hammer blow as Cleopatra. R.O. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2021, Portland, Maine

Silvia Capelletto

Cleopatra is more than a book; it is like being immersed in a documentary expertly narrated by the one Italian who can do it best: Alberto Angela. […] Written well, in a precise and engaging way, it reads lightly despite the topics covered.” 

Roberto Baldini

Maybe we think we know everything about this charming woman, yet Alberto Angela, with his thirst for art and culture, will tell us things that will perhaps surprise us and surely remain in our minds and hearts.” 

MAY 2021 - AudioFile

Narrator Derek Perkins brings the enigmatic Egyptian queen to life in scenes drawn from ancient historians. This extensive volume revealing the background and myths surrounding one of the most famous women in history is aided by Perkins's British intonation and authoritative tone. Cleopatra is not only beautiful and sexy, she also proves to be an equal match to Rome’s most powerful duo, Emperor Julius Caesar and General Marc Anthony, whose heart she won. As Perkins adds judicious pacing and dramatic pauses, no historic stone is left unturned in the detailed descriptions of busy Roman streets, gory battlefields, and sumptuous palaces. And it becomes clear that no woman wielded such power with as deft a touch, as sly a side-eye, or as crushing a hammer blow as Cleopatra. R.O. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2021, Portland, Maine

Product Details

BN ID:	2940177034171
Publisher:	HarperCollins Publishers
Publication date:	03/23/2021
Edition description:	Unabridged

Videos