Critics' Opinion:
Readers' rating:
Published Apr 2011
464 pages
Genre: Biography/Memoir
Publication Information
World-renowned Egyptologist Joann Fletcher offers an extraordinary look at one of Egypt's most intriguing leaders - the legendary Cleopatra.
In the tradition of biographies by Stacy Shiff, Duane Roller, and Adrian Goldsworthy, and drawing on astonishing new evidence about Cleopatra's life - including tax records, personal correspondence, and the discovery of her palace quarters beneath the Mediterranean Sea - Fletcher presents Cleopatra's life in glorious detail, revealing the woman behind the myths.
"Starred Review. Exceedingly well-written, her study of the last Ptolemy to rule Egypt is a comprehensive examination of Hellenistic bloodlines, Mediterranean history, Egyptian religion, and the rise of Rome as the ultimate ancient superpower." - Publishers Weekly
"Those interested in Cleopatra, ancient history, or a well-written and academically sound biography will enjoy this authentic look at a queen of Egypt who managed to be all things to all people--mother, queen, goddess, and whore." - Library Journal
"A perfect complement to Stacey Schiff's excellent Cleopatra: A Life (2010). Readers interested in Cleopatra and her world are advised to read both." - Kirkus
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Any "Author Information" displayed below reflects the author's biography at the time this particular book was published.
Dr. Joann Fletcher is an Honorary Research Fellow in the Department of Archaeology at the University of York and Consultant Egyptologist for Harrogate Museums and Arts. She has undertaken excavation work in Egypt, Yemen, and the UK, and has examined mummies both on site and in collections around the world. Dr. Fletcher writes for The Guardian newspaper and the BBC's History Online Web site, and has made numerous appearances on television and radio. She divides her time between her native Yorkshire, northern France, and Egypt.
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