Cleopatra: Being an Account of the Fall and Vengeance of Harmachis, the Royal Egyptian, as Set Forth by His Own Hand (Works of H. Rider Haggard) [Paperback]

H. Rider Haggard (Author)

Book Description

Series: Works of H. Rider Haggard | Publication Date: December 1, 2000

This is a reproduction of a book published before 1923. This book may have occasional imperfections such as missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. that were either part of the original artifact, or were introduced by the scanning process. We believe this work is culturally important, and despite the imperfections, have elected to bring it back into print as part of our continuing commitment to the preservation of printed works worldwide. We appreciate your understanding of the imperfections in the preservation process, and hope you enjoy this valuable book.

--This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

Product Details

• Paperback: 352 pages
• Publisher: Borgo Press (December 1, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1587150255
• ISBN-13: 978-1587150258
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6.1 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,748,413 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A new light on Cleopatras life, May 29, 2001

By 

"faery_princess" (Philippines) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Cleopatra: Being an Account of the Fall and Vengeance of Harmachis, the Royal Egyptian, as Set Forth by His Own Hand (Works of H. Rider Haggard) (Paperback)

I have read a couple of books about Cleopatra and this book by Haggard gives me a new light to things! His story about Harmachis and how he got involved with her gives somewhat a new reflection about Cleopatra. Once you started reading this, you'd definitely won't put this book down. Its sort of a time warp for you would actually get to feel as if you are part of the story! The plot, sceneries depicted-- everything is original and definitely entertaining! A must read for those who is interested with ancient Egypt!

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars She gets what she wants... but what does she want?, November 11, 2004

By 

Gagewyn (United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Cleopatra: Being an Account of the Fall and Vengeance of Harmachis, the Royal Egyptian, as Set Forth by His Own Hand (Works of H. Rider Haggard) (Paperback)

Rider Haggard's Cleopatra tells the story of the legendary queen as shown through the eyes of Harmachis, an Egyptian physician and priest of Isis. It is written from the point of view of Harmacis at the end of his life. He is old and recounts his life story. Like so many others he was obsessed with the beautiful Cleopatra, and so he tells her story as much as his.

Unlike most admirers, Harmachis actually gets involved with Cleopatra. She pushes him to reveal secrets of Isis (including the location of hidden treasures of the pyramids) to further her political ends. Throughout the story, the reader is left wondering whether Cleopatra really does love Harmachis. Sometimes she seems only to use him and she does betray him every time. But one has to consider that Harmachis comes from low class parents, so actually ending up with him might not be an option for her. She seems to really love him and maybe she really is trying to arrange things for them. Her power over him is complete, possibly because she doesn't know what she wants.

The setting and story are lavish. After all, this is ancient Egypt, complete with hidden treasures of Isis. At the same time the story is about more timeless issues - love and betrayal and love vs religion. It has the right blend of action, emotion and awesome settings to keep me interested all the way through. And the ancient setting keeps Cleopatra from feeling dated, as do some of Haggard's other novels.

I highly recommend Cleopatra to anyone into 1890's stuff, Egyptian stuff or adventure novels.

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars The weakness of man, July 29, 2001

By 

frumiousb "frumiousb" (Amsterdam, the Netherlands) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (TOP 500 REVIEWER)   

This review is from: Cleopatra: Being an Account of the Fall and Vengeance of Harmachis, the Royal Egyptian, as Set Forth by His Own Hand (Works of H. Rider Haggard) (Paperback)

_Cleopatra_ is not as strong of an effort as Haggard's more famous novels (She, King Solomon's Mines, etc.) but shows the same themes and concerns that seem to populate most of his narratives. It tells the story of Cleopatra through the eyes of Harmachis, a priest who betrays everything holy for the love of Cleopatra and is himself later betrayed. Haggard's passion for beautiful and fiery women who are somehow beyond the normal laws of society and morality is evident here.