Cleopatra
by Jacob Abbott
'Cleopatra' Summary
Jacob Abbott's Cleopatra is a work of historical biography, told in a highly dramatic and gripping style. It brings the characters and the circumstances to vivid life, making it an entertaining read for people of all ages. The authentic rendering of ancient Rome, Egypt and the famous characters who played their part in this ancient drama are wonderfully depicted. The romance, betrayal, war, hatred, destruction, murder, the power and the glory of empire are all captured in this sweeping narrative. Abbot's brief preface gives a glimpse of how much this fabulous queen has indeed altered the course of human lives.
Cleopatra's history is portrayed in great detail. The book opens with the lines, “The story of Cleopatra is a story of crime” and frankly speaks of the incestuous practices that existed in ancient Egypt. The queen was by birth an Egyptian but the blood of her Greek ancestors flowed in her veins. Abbot describes the land of Egypt in glowing terms and ascribes many of Cleopatra's faults to the luxury and surrounding she was brought up in. The mighty dynasty of the Ptolemies, the fabled city of Alexandria, Cleopatra's ascent of the throne as a blooming young lass of fifteen, her marriage and exile, the circumstances under which she meets Julius Caesar, their relationship and Caesar's assassination in Rome are all the stuff of legend. Today, most students of history and literature would be familiar with many aspects of the story. Shakespeare himself famously dealt with it in his Antony and Cleopatra, poets and musicians depicted her almost unbelievable power over men, while historians have undertaken serious research into all these claims. However, the lady has, centuries after her tragic and spectacular suicide, remained an enigma.
Jacob Abbot wrote primarily for children. In Cleopatra, he presents history not in the usual vapid, dull way, but in a manner that makes the events come alive, thus making them memorable and interesting for children and adults alike. As a biography that attempts to solve the riddle of Cleopatra's amazing life and times, this is indeed a fascinating read.
Book Details
Author
Jacob Abbott
United States
Jacob Abbott (November 14, 1803 – October 31, 1879) was an American writer of children's books. He was a prolific author, writing juvenile fiction, brief histories, biographies, religious books...
More on Jacob AbbottDownload eBooks
Listen/Download Audiobook
- Select Speed
Related books
The Life Of Charlotte Bronte, Volume 1 by Elizabeth Cleghorn Gaskell
The Life of Charlotte Brontë is the posthumous biography of Charlotte Brontë by fellow novelist Elizabeth Gaskell. The first edition was published in...
Famous Impostors by Bram Stoker
This book consists of short biographical sketches of a number of different historical imposters along with a chapter on hoaxes.
Life and Lillian Gish by Albert Bigelow Pain
An authorized biography of Lillian Gish, the renowned silent film star known in her heyday as the First Lady of American Cinema. Albert Bigelow Paine...
The Life of Cicero, Volume 2 by Anthony Trollope
This second volume of two covers his last years, BC 57-43 and the personal and political upheavals that surrounded them: the civil war between Caesar...
The History of the Church of Christ: Century IV by Joseph Milner
In this, Joseph Milner unveils the hidden truths and captivating mysteries of the Church of Christ during the pivotal Century IV. Embark on a journey...
Historic Girlhoods, Volume 1 by Rupert S. Holland
Biographical sketches of ten girls who became famous before becoming women - some not even making it to womanhood. From Joan of Arc to Catherine d'Med...
How They Succeeded by Orison Swett Marden
Success! Alluring, fascinating, informative. Why are some people successful while others languish on the scrap heap of life? Hard work? Luck? Nepotism...
The Private and Public Life of Abraham Lincoln by Orville J. Victor
It is a biography that details the life of the 16th President of the United States. The book was first published in 1874 and has since become a well-k...
Figaro: The Life of Beaumarchais by John Rivers
It is a fascinating and illuminating biography of one of the most influential writers and thinkers of the 18th century. The book provides a detailed a...
Susan B. Anthony: Rebel, Crusader, Humanitarian by Alma Lutz
An in-depth narrative of Susan B Anthony's life from a small girl to old age. It covers historic events throughout her lifetime. Including the electio...
Reviews for Cleopatra
No reviews posted or approved, yet...