5 comments about The Search for Cleopatra.

1. Cleopatra would not qualify as "black" because she was not a "woman of color" as some falsely allege. She came from a Dynasty that intermarried with one another. Her ethnicity was Hellenic Macedonian. She and the Dynasty she belonged to spoke Greek. . If there was even a hint that her origins were anything but that of a Hellenic Dynasty who ruled over Egypt then the ancient Greek and Roman writers would have stated as such given they did so with other people who were of "mixed" origins. Plus Cleopatra's family are Greek descendants from Northern Greece and an ancient painting from Vergina, Greece depicts Ptolemy I Soter during a hunt as being fair in coloring. Some ancient writers even claim him the son of King Philip, making the Ptolemiac Dynasty descendants from the Hellenic Argead Dynasty of whom the Macedonian royal family claimed descendant from. Its only been in modern history that this myth about Cleopatra being "black or mixed race" came about. This theory originated in the 16th century - that is thousands of years and centuries after Cleopatra's death. Most writers who question her heritage are not even ancient writers or historians but modern revisionists. Cleopatra's paternal grandmother was Cleopatra IV, her paternal/maternal grandfather's(Ptolemy IX) sister. Cleopatra's maternal grandmother was Cleopatra Selena, again the sister of her paternal/maternal grandfather's(Ptolemy IX) AND the sister of her paternal grandmother(Cleopatar IV). Making Cleopatra's paternal grandmother(Cleopatar IV), maternal grandmother(Cleopatra Selena) and paternal/maternal grandfather(Ptolemy IX) all brother and sisters, in other words the brother had children with both of his sisters. The parents of Cleopatra VII's father were Ptolemy IX and Cleopatra IV and the parents of Cleopatra's mother were Ptolemy IX and Cleopatra Selena: making Cleopatra VII's parents both brother and sister and cousins all at the same time. This was a common practice among the Ptolemeis, marrying their sisters, bothers, cousins, aunts, uncles, parents. The Ptolemies were not liked by native Egyptians who they considered "foreigner rulers". In fact Cleopatra's father survived two assassination attempts, this was the reason why they kept to themselves and married amongst each other, they distrusted foreigners. Which why the likelihood of Cleopatra's grandmother being anyone outside the Ptolemaic family tree, ie. native Egyptian, Nubian, Hebrew or anything else is zero given the xenophobic views the Ptolemies.



2. I like the author's philosphy of history: in the first chapter of "The Search for Cleopatra," Foss writes that our picture of the past "is not some absolute of historical truth founded on a mountain of small certain facts." Rather, history "reveals itself in drama, passion, elemental conflict, emblematic events that become the basis for mythologies."

   Cleopatra was a fascinating character, a myth in life and death. She was more brilliant than beautiful, a consummate politican and a ruthless leader. She was the mistress of the two most powerful Roman leaders of her era, partly because she wanted her Ptolemaic dynasty to survive and partly because she seems to have been genuinely devoted to her two lovers.

   The "Search for Cleopatra" is not a biography as such. Rather, it tells the story of a pivotal time in which Cleopatra played a central role. Foss sketches all of the major protagonists--Julius Caesar, Marc Antony, Octavian and a host of lesser characters--against the background of the Roman civil wars and Cleopatra's skilled but ultimately unsuccessful attempt to come out on top in a very high stakes game.

   Was Cleopatra a cruel, calculating woman, a person who did not hesitate to execute her younger brother and sister in order to rule unchallenged? Or was she a loving mother, concerned about the welfare of her children and genuinely in love with Julius Caesar and Marc Antony? As with any complex character, the answer may be "both," and this well-written book does an excellent job of making a powerful woman and a dangerous time a bit more understandable to the modern reader.

   If you are interested in the life and times of Cleopatra, you might also want to pick up "Alexandria: City of the Western Mind" by Theodore Vrettos. Vrettos devotes a substantial part of his book to telling the story of Caesar, Antony and Cleopatra, but he also describes how Alexandria transmitted Greek culture to the modern world. Another interesting view of the subject is "Not by a Nose," an essay by Josiah Ober in "What If? 2," which ponders how the world might have been different if Antony and Cleopatra had defeated Octavian at the Battle of Actium.




3. Whether or not Cleopatra would qualify as "black" by contemporary definitions (and unless we magically got a DNA sample, that possibility simply can't be ruled out, given the limited information about her antedecents), we can be sure of two things: first, that she was vilified as have most other powerful women throughout the ages; second, that she was despised by the Romans as representing an alien, "Oriental" culture. Foss writes well, and by judicious use of the limited source material he re-tells the epic tale of the Queen of the Nile. The main elements (Caesar, Antony, asp, etc.) are thanks to Shakespeare, famous; less well-known are the tortured politics of Hellenistic Egypt. Cleopatra's family, the Ptolemys (the Macedonian dynasty which inherited the pharoah's throne from Alexander the Great) would satisfy any modern definition of "dysfunctional." With their unique blend of habitual incest, infidelity, profligacy, fratricide, patricide, matricide and perennial regicide, it took a political genius just to survive in the Ptolemy family, and Foss infers from Cleopatra's relative longevity that she was just such a genius. Provided you can get your head around relationships like "wife-mother" and "uncle-husband," this is a great yarn.



4. Why do you care if Cleopatra was African or Caucasian or mixed? Does it matter? You should not be thinking about the colour of her skin, more about the things she accomplished in her life! I look at the reviews above, and all I see is raving controversy instead of reviews (I am not a hypocrite...) I found this book to be extremely interesting, and insightful into the life of a great queen. Anyone who is interested in the Queen of the Nile should take a moment to read this.



5. I think that some of the reviews have missed the point for this book. The real controversy is not Cleopatra's ethnicity, because we have documentation on this that dates to her era. She was a Ptolemy; therefore of Macedonian descent. Study your ancient history and put forth a little effort into some research. From most accounts that I have read, all point to her being extremely proud of that Macedonian heritage. You in the 21st century, believe that you know more about this historical figure, than the writers of the first century. In this, you must agree with me that the information we have now, is inaccurate compared to the relatively recent information that they had. You cannot rewrite history.

No comments about Kings & Queens: The Concise Guide.

No comments about Emma: Hawaii's Remarkable Queen.

No comments about Princes of Wales: Royal Heirs and Their Lives in Waiting.

No comments about Sisi, emperatriz contra su voluntad/ Sissi, Empress Against Her Will (Z).

2 comments about George IV: Inspiration of the Regency.

1. This book is not for everyone. If you wish to understand, as I did, the politics and economics of the era, you will be disappointed. You will learn more about George's amours and clothing than you ever wanted to know.



2. George IV has always fascinated me as one of those monarchs who both impress and disgust. He was born George Prince of Wales eldest son of King George III and Queen Charlotte of England. to a world which offered all possible luxury and inherited a country which looked up to its royalty, yet poor george was to die for the most part despised. Mr. Parissien writes a sensitive and readable biography which shows both the causes and results this king's life. Realtionship with his parents were always strained and lacking in complete love or affection. No wonder George was only too eager to enjoy his power as regent when his old father the king was pronounced mad. Geroge's spending habits were phenominal, he would only have the very best no matter what it cost the country. Yet George was respected and loved by those in the arts especially admired by the architects of his time. One only has to look at the enterior of Carlton House or the Brighton Pavillion to realise this man's astetic sense. George's marriage was a disaster and events leading up to his niece Victoria becoming queen was nothing short of a miracle. A true caricature of his own self he gave his name to an era where good taste went hand in hand with infidelity and corruption. A highly readable book with some excellent illustrations.

4 comments about The Diana Years(Commemorative Edition).

1. Obviously, this is not the life story or a novel about Princess Diana. For what it is (basically a coffee table book) this is a gorgeous collection of photos. I am a collector of such portrait books, so I didn't see many pics never before published. But for the reasonable price, this is a worthy purchase.



2. This is a beautiful tribute to Diana. Although Diana's years have ended she will be remembered for many years to come.



3. This commemorative volume celebrates the unique magic of the Princess of Wales. The book features a superb collection of photographs of Diana and her life, that was updated and expanded after her death. Major chapters are: Farewell, Shutter Bugged, Once Upon A Time, Hands-on Mom, The Princess at Peace, and much more. A sufficient amount of text accompanies the wealth of large, full color, sharp, candid photos. A must for fans of Diana. Completely indexed. A welcome 5-star addition to your home library.



4. Diana, Princess of Wales, was a favorite for the cover of People Magazine as he was with many other magazines throughout the world. This is a marvelous book which captures the late Princess in some of her most glamourous and elegant moments. This could easily be called a photographic-biography, and, it is a book which I have looked at and read many times. As far as I am concerned, Diana is a person who is glamourous whether she is wearing the most expensive dress or a simple pair of jeans.

   "The death of Princess Diana on August 31,1997, was one of those rare and terrible events that so jars people that they never forget where they were when they hear the news. It was inconceivable that the glamour, the goodness, and the verve that was Diana could have been erased in an instant. The void left by this remarkable woman whom William, 15, and Harry, 12, called Mummy and British Prime Minister aptly annointed 'The People's Princess ' was huge. Its dimensions could only be grasped six days later when the 36-year-old Princess of Wales drew millions of mourners into London's streets and another 2 billion people to their TV sets. The world had lost a patrician with a common touch - a beacon, a magnet, and a friend." p.9

   I watched her funeral services just as I watched her marriage in 1981. I think the most poignant picture of her funeral was that of her former husband, Charles, Prince of Wales; her son, Prince Harry; her brother, Earl Spencer; her son, Prince William; and her former father-in-law, Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh; as they walked behind her cortege the last mile of its journey to Westminster Abbey. Who can ever forget Prince Harry's roses with a simple card with "Mummy" written on it as it topped her casket.

   On the stroke of 11am on September 6, the chords of "God Save the Queen" sounded in the Abbey as the Welsh Guard entered to place Diana's casket on a catafalque between the Spencers and the Windsors. This was followed by Diana's favorite hymn, "I Vow to Thee, My country," which was chosed by her son, Prince William.

   After the services, Diana's casket was placed was placed in the hearst for its long journey to Althrop, her ancestral home. At times the windshield wipers had to be turned on to wipe away the floral tributes which were thrown on the hearst. Many floral tributes were left at the gates of Althrop. These were taken by her brother the next day and placed on the island where she is buried.

   P.19 begins a chapter ABOUT FACE. I liked the following which appears on the same page - "Her genius was a figt for projecting mood while preserving mystery...

   "How many times could we look at that face? Infinitely, it seemed. In 16 years, Diana never lost her power to fascinate. How did did she do it? Hers was certainly not conventional beauty. The nose, for example, was too long and broad. But the generous scale of her smooth features formed a perfect stages for her distinctly and enchanting unroyal bredth of emotions. Diana was a woman of a thousande espressions, each a tantalizing peek into her soul, Whe could be bashful or brazen, somber or sultry, poised or playful. Like Greta Garbo and Jackie O., Diana kept back part of herself, mainntaining the mystery. Perhaps that was the basis of her seduction. She made us think we knew her so well; yet we didn't really know her at all."

   On pages 24-25, the lovely picture of Diana taken at Highgrove, while she was sitting on the steps, is elegant. She is wearing a pair of red checked pants, a red sweater, a white blouse, and casual shoes - very simple, yet beautiful. On p. 38, there is a picture of Charles and Diana as they meet the press for the first time after their marriage. Diana had already witnessed pictures of Camilla Parker Bowles fall out of her husband's diary. Yet, when reporters asked her about married life she replied, 'highly recommended.' She kept the picture incident to herself even though she must have been hurting deeply.

   "At age 19, when she first blinked for the press, Diana was unsophisticated, but nontheless naturally shrewd - always listening, watching, learning. Bereft of guidance from the royal household, Diana gamely set out to carve a role for herself that went far beyond producing the requisite 'heir and a spare.' As she redefined royal glamor, championed unchic causes, and opened ger heart to people the world over; she reshaped the creaky role of princess for a celebrity-worshipping, mass-media age; in the process, she left behind an incomparable album of absorbing images. Though divorce ended Diana's chance of becoming Queen of England, the phenomenal outpouring of grief and affection that attended her death made it evident, to commoner and royal alike, that she'd earned the title she once said she coveted: Queen of People's Hearts."

   The chapter titled SHE COULD HAVE DANCED ALL NIGHT is my favorite. "On a magical evening in 1985, Diana proved to be one singular sensation." Diana had asked the famous Britsh dancer Sleep to choreograph a routine for her to perform at the Christmas benefit for the Friends of the Covent Garden at the Royal Opera House. It was to be a surprise for her husband and diana chose Billy Joel's "Uptown Girl." For about two thirds of the program Diana sat beside her husband in the roual box. Then, Diana slipped out and changed into the dress which she had chosen for this event. Wayne Sleep said he remembered walking on stage and there was a big round of applause. He recalls, 'Oh, you ain't seen nothing yet.' He said he told her to walk on for eight counts and then stand for eight more counts because the people aren't going to believe it. She did so and was very nervous at first. Sleep said, "Every step we took was followed by a huge round of applause and everything else, Diana was performing for an audience of one - her husband - whose box was right over the stage. Sleep says, 'She kept looking up at Charles. there was an enormous sense of fun between them...He was very happy and smiling the whole time.' The routine lasted four minutes and Sleep and Diana took eight curtain calls.

   Of Dians's many roles, it is clearly the role of Motherhood which she enjoyed the most. She took all her roles seriously, but once they began school, Diana always planned her schedule around the school calendar, She was very much a hands-on Mom.

   "As captivating for her flaws as for her glamour, Diana remains an intriguing riddle. Magical in life, tragic in death, the People's Princess has entered the real myth. Paradoxically, even as admirer exalt Diana, it was her flaws and vulnerabilities that made her the most widely loved royal of all times. Her special gift was making the people she met feel special." p157

   This book is filled with beautiful pictures and must be read to be truly enjoyed. This refers to the hardback book which contain 161 pages and measures 81/4x11inches

4 comments about Henry VIII.

1. Scarisbrick's book is a scholar's book and remains recognized after over three decades as the definitive work on the subject. It provides the background for other, equally valuable books, such as David Starkey's "Six Wives: The Wives of Henry VIII". This, though, is not to say that Scarisbrick can't be read for pleasure. It can, but you will not find it the brezzy read of a popular history; instead, you will find a wealth of information that will serve you well in future reading on the subject. And it is a very enjoyable read itself. If you are serious about your understanding of this period of English history then Scarisbrick is essential, and I can't imagine a personal library on Henry or Tudor England without a copy.
   
   As another reviewer remarked, this is not the book for an extensive treatment of Henry's wives. For that, I recommend turning to Starkey, and it too is essential for an understanding of this period of the history of Tudor England. What I've said about Scarisbrick's book can also be said about Starkey; although, I don't think it has quite the stature of Scarisbrick's.



2. I read this book right after reading Carolly Erickson's biography of Henry VIII, and on balance this book is better and easier to read. I love that Scarisbrick has modernized the spelling and punctuation of the original documents he quotes. I think the picture of Henry presented is well-balanced, and does not minimize the faults of the subject of the biography. The careful examination of the question of the validity of the marriage of Henry and Catherine of Aragon is the best I have ever read, and partisans on either side of that question will see that there is indeed another side to the view they favor. The examination of the religious views of Henry is detailed and enlightening. I have always had a negative view of Henry VIII and I still have after reading this book, but the book was instructive and enlightening. The footnotes are where they belong (at the bottom of each page) and the bibliography is detailed though of course a bit dated in the 1968 edition I read. After you read this book you will know that you have read a really good biography of this important figure in world history.



3. I did not like this book at all! I have read most everything out there regarding Henry VIII. I found this a very hard go. It was extremely difficult to read. It focus's mostly on Henry's policies and the religous issue and a lot of assumptions as to why Henry acted a certain way. It is very date heavy. He barely mentions his wives except to say married on this date, died on this date. If you are beginner to Henry, this is not the book for you.



4. Prof. Scarisbrick has written the definitive biography of Henry VIII and his times, even though this book is about 30 years old. Scarisbrick brought an interesting view to the subject: as a Roman Catholic he was the first British author granted access to Vatican archives for his research on the subject. The result is a still cogent, absolutely exhaustive book on the subject. Entailing a practically week by week account of Henry VIII's reign is overwhelming but of the upmost help for students of the subject. If you are looking for a light introduction to Henry VIII, this is probably not the place. But if you want *all* the (mind-numbing) details on Henry VIII, look no further than Scarisbrick's brilliant work.

5 comments about All the Queen's Men: The World of Elizabeth I.

1. This book was not well edited. I was amazed that a man with Brimacombe's credentials had such poor grammar. Also, refers to one of the "Queen's Men" as Anthony on one page and Arthur the next. How did the editor miss that? Brimacombe's skipping around would be a little difficult to follow for someone with no previous knowledge of Elizabeth I. The only reason I did not discontinue reading this book was that there were enough new tidbits here and there to keep me interested, however, for one new to the subject, there are many better books out there.



2. All the Queen's Men provides a wealth of knowledge about Elizabeth 1, and also about the men that helped her to become one of the greatest queens in England's history. For example, Elizabeth's Privy Council was filled with many intelligent and capable people. One of these people was William Cecil, who was an extremely hard-working Secretary of State. Under Elizabeth's reign, she surrounded herself with men of knowledge. But, she also appreciated the arts. Many artists and writers evolved during the Elizabethan rule. One of the most historical writers during this time was William Shakespeare who wrote plays like Romeo and Juliet. Through her entire life, Elizabeth 1 had men surrounding her. But she never picked one for the most important positions in her life to be filled by a man, her husband. She had an extensive string of suitors, but never settled down with one. Among these suitors were Philip of Spain, Charles the Archduke of Austria, and Henry the Duke of Anjou. Overall, this is a very well written book. It contains many relevant illustrations that help you while you are reading. All the Queens Men will delight anyone who is interested in the Elizabethan era.



3. All the Queen's Men provides a wealth of knowledge about Elizabeth 1, and also about the men that helped her to become one of the greatest queens in England's history. For example, Elizabeth's Privy Council was filled with many intelligent and capable people. One of these people was William Cecil, who was an extremely hard-working Secretary of State. Under Elizabeth's reign, she surrounded herself with men of knowledge. But, she also appreciated the arts. Many artists and writers evolved during the Elizabethan rule. One of the most historical writers during this time was William Shakespeare who wrote plays like Romeo and Juliet. Through her entire life, Elizabeth 1 had men surrounding her. But she never picked one for the most important positions in her life to be filled by a man, her husband. She had an extensive string of suitors, but never settled down with one. Among these suitors were Philip of Spain, Charles the Archduke of Austria, and Henry the Duke of Anjou. Overall, this is a very well written book. It contains many relevant illustrations that help you while you are reading. All the Queens Men will delight anyone who is interested in the Elizabethan era.



4. I have one of the earlier editions of this book... if you are studying Elizabeth I or are simply interested in reading a chronological account of the "Who's Who" of Elizabeth's court and courtiers, this is the book for you. If you're bent runs to historical costuming for the Elizabethan era, this is also the book for you. For the costumers: this book contains more source material (by means of portrait reproduction) than you can imagine or shake a stick at. I used this book not only for historical research, but as a costuming reference as well until I found Janet Arnold's book "Patterns of Fashion." The print plates (and there are A LOT of them) are both in color and b/w in my edition. The book is incredibly well researched and written... very little in it could be considered dry. I wouldn't go so far as to call it a page turner, but after almost 20 years with this book in my library I still use it as a reference... it's THAT good... I HIGHLY recommend it!!



5. Looked forward to this book with great anticipation, but was rather disappointed. Many of the stories in the book, especially in the courtiers and statesmen chapters, were very familiar to me, having read them elsewhere. I'd recommend, instead, a book by Neville Williams with the same name (All the Queen's Men), if you can find a copy (currently out of print). The most interesting personalities of the period are examined in greater depth and the book is better illustrated than Brimacombe's.

3 comments about Aubrey's Brief Lives (Nonpareil Books, No 77) (Nonpareil Books, No 77).

1. This collection of short narrative portraits of famous and semi-famous people by a recognized scientist and author is among the most interesting reading you'll enjoy. His information is detailed and personal and Aubrey's writing style is a fine pattern for modern readers as well.
   
   I recommend this book without question.



2. Lives of the rich and famous recorded a time when there were no libel laws meant that even the dirt that wasnt fit to print could be disseminated, whether true or not. It still makes fascinating reading.



3. "Brief Lives" has always been a delight, but it was Oliver Lawson Dick's scholarly editing that revealed Aubrey's genius. And Lawson Dick's Introduction, "The Life and Times of John Aubrey", is a miracle of synthesis and compression: certainly one of the finest biographical essays ever written. This Nonpareil Books edition is sumptuous - a joy to read in these days cheap, quickly produced paperbacks.