Cleopatra and Egypt (Blackwell Ancient Lives) [Hardcover]

Sally-Ann Ashton (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 1405113898 | ISBN-13: 978-1405113892 | Publication Date: May 6, 2008

This beautifully illustrated new biography of Cleopatra draws on literary, archaeological, and art historical evidence to paint an intimate and compelling portrait of the most famous Queen of Egypt.

• Deconstructs the image of Cleopatra to uncover the complex historical figure behind the myth


• Examines Greek, Roman, and Egyptian representations of Cleopatra


• Considers how she was viewed by her contemporaries and how she presented herself


• Incorporates the author’s recent field work at a temple of Cleopatra in Alexandria


• Beautifully illustrated with over 40 images

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Informative general introduction to Cleopatra, it tends to focus on a wide variety of sources that provide interesting angles from which to examine this infamous queen." (Scholia Reviews, 2010)

"Ashton's careful consideration of the Egyptian material is what makes her book a valuable addition to our understanding of Cleopatra. ... A welcome addition to the growing number of texts on Cleopatra suitable for classroom use." (The Classical Outlook, Spring 2009)

"If you want a well researched and illustrated account of Cleopatra within her contemporary Egyptian context, read Ashton." (The Bulletin of the American Society of Papyrologists, 2009)

"One of the best features of Ashton's book is its assessment of the evidence, literary as well as archaeological. Ashton's book … is a valuable contribution to the literature on Cleopatra." (Bryn Mawr Classical Review)

"A must-read, scholarly book on Cleopatra for students and teachers of ancient Egypt, Cleopatra, and ancient art." (About.com)

Review

"Sally-Ann Ashton's Cleopatra and Egypt provides a coherent and up-to-date background to the study of antiquity's most controversial and fascinating woman. This book will be an invaluable resource for students and teachers, and the general reader will find much to enjoy. Highly recommended."
Lloyd Llewellyn-Jones, University of Edinburgh

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 240 pages
• Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell (May 6, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1405113898
• ISBN-13: 978-1405113892
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.6 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.5 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #4,059,972 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Cleopatra andEgypt by Sally-Ann Ashton, August 2, 2008

By 

Frances Murray (Des Plaines, Il. USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Cleopatra and Egypt (Blackwell Ancient Lives) (Paperback)

A very through analysis of Cleopatra and her world. Because Cleopatra remains a controversial figure, some of the "facts" stated may be open to argument, but this is the case with any historical work and in no way should affect the reader's enjoyment of the book. And I do mean enjoyment. The book is surprisingly easy to read even though it may be considered "scholarly" due to its historical content. This is due not only to the skill of the author, but also to the presentation of the text. The print is crisp black on a pure white background which makes for very easy reading.