Cleopatra: Her History, Her Myth | Francine Prose

Extended Synopsis

The siren passionately in love with Mark Antony, the seductress who allegedly rolled out of a smuggled carpet to see Caesar—Cleopatra is a figure deeply shrouded in myth. Beyond the legends immortalized by Plutarch, Shakespeare, and George Bernard Shaw, there are no surviving journals or letters written by Cleopatra herself. What does it mean for our understanding of history when her story has been told exclusively by writers with political agendas, authors who distrusted her motives, and historians who branded her a liar? In this compelling work, Francine Prose delves into ancient Greek and Roman literary sources, as well as modern representations of Cleopatra in art, theater, and film. She challenges narratives driven by orientalism and misogyny, offering a vital new interpretation of Cleopatra's legacy through a modern lens.

Author Biography

Francine Prose is a highly acclaimed American novelist, essayist, and literary critic. Known for her sharp cultural critiques and engaging prose, she is the author of numerous bestselling works of fiction and nonfiction. Her scholarly yet accessible approach allows her to deeply dissect historical, cultural, and literary narratives, bringing fresh perspectives to long-established figures and texts.

Perfect For

Readers interested in feminist history, classical antiquity, and historiography, as well as scholars seeking to deconstruct Western myths and orientalism surrounding ancient Egyptian and Roman figures.

Accolades & Reviews

"A lucid and persuasive reinterpretation. Readers won't see Cleopatra the same way again."
— Publishers Weekly

"Where Prose really sparkles: her critiques of the cultural depictions of Cleopatra."
— Allison Arieff, San Francisco Chronicle

Product Specifications