23 November 2010

Today's Read: Cleopatra by Stacy Schiff

MizB at Should Be Reading hosts Teaser Tuesdays. Here's how it works: Grab your current read; let the book fall open to a random page; and share 2 “teaser” sentences from that page. For more teasers, click on through to MizB's blog.

I absolutely love biography (even though I haven't blogged about it very often), and when the subject is someone as fascinating as Cleopatra, who can resist? Here is a longish teaser to stimulate your interest in this powerful woman:

A capable, clear-eyed sovereign, she knew how to build a fleet, suppress, an insurrection, control a currency, alleviate a famine. An eminent Roman general vouched for her grasp of military affairs. Even at a time when women rulers were no rarity she stood out, the sole female of the ancient world to rule alone and to play a role in Western affairs. She was incomparably richer than anyone else in the Mediterranean world. And she enjoyed greater prestige than any other woman of her age. . . . She nonetheless survives as a wanton temptress, not the first time a genuinely powerful woman has been transmuted into a shamelessly seductive one. (p. 2)
—From Cleopatra: A Life by Stacy Schiff (Hachette / Little, Bown, 2010)

Cleopatra at Powell's
Cleopatra at Book Depository
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28 comments:

Novroz 11/23/10, 7:45 AM  

She was an amazing woman. i like the way the writer describes her

The Crooked Bookshelf 11/23/10, 7:52 AM  
This comment has been removed by the author.
The Crooked Bookshelf 11/23/10, 7:53 AM  

Loved your teaser.. I wanna read this book too.. Cleopatra is such an interesting character..

Kristin 11/23/10, 7:54 AM  

My book club just picked this book to read for our January meeting - I can't wait to start it.

Here's my teaser.

bermudaonion 11/23/10, 8:05 AM  

As you know, I'll be reading this one soon, so I'm excited about that teaser!

Anonymous,  11/23/10, 8:25 AM  

What a truly amazing woman! Your teaser captures some of that essense!

Thanks for stopping by!

Anonymous,  11/23/10, 9:00 AM  

Cleopatra has always fascinated me...

Here's mine: http://wp.me/pFyoG-pZ

Laurel-Rain Snow 11/23/10, 9:05 AM  

Ah, the legend of Cleopatra lives on! Thanks for sharing....

Here's mine:

(click my name)

Heather 11/23/10, 9:13 AM  

What a powerful beginning! I hope you enjoy(ed) the book!
My teaser: Slaughterhouse Five

Jen 11/23/10, 9:22 AM  

I've heard good things about this book. nice teaser!

Sharon Galligar Chance 11/23/10, 10:33 AM  

Great teaser! I have been coveting this book - may have to break down and buy it!

Crystal (I totally paused!) 11/23/10, 11:38 AM  

Definitely an interesting teaser. I have been wanting to read that book for awhile, Cleopatra is fascinating!

My teaser is at:
http://www.dorolerium.com/?p=1953

Jen - devourer of books 11/23/10, 11:53 AM  

Between you and Michelle I *really* want to read this. I was never that interested in Cleopatra until I read Margaret George's historical fiction about her, which was fabulous and now I'm very intrigued.

Pam 11/23/10, 12:01 PM  

I have an egalley of this I need to get to it.

BLHmistress 11/23/10, 12:27 PM  

Oh I love history this sounds so good.

Here's my Teaser My Teaser Tuesday

kayerj 11/23/10, 12:55 PM  

love the teaser, I've been wanting to read this book. Kaye—the road goes ever ever on

Elysium 11/23/10, 1:06 PM  

Great teaser! I have this one on my wishlist.

Teresa 11/23/10, 1:18 PM  

I really want to read this one!

Nise' 11/23/10, 2:05 PM  

The teaser was very informative. There is a lot I don't know about her.

Beth Kephart 11/23/10, 3:31 PM  

I have had this one on order for two weeks. Now I am even more desperate to get it!!

Tiina 11/23/10, 4:28 PM  

Cleopatra was indeed an interesting historical figure. Enjoy your read!
My teaser is here, if you want to take a look: http://abookblogofonesown.blogspot.com/2010/11/teaser-tuesday-23112010.html

Greetings,
Tiina

Bev Hankins 11/23/10, 7:42 PM  

Very powerful teaser!

Here's mine: http://myreadersblock.blogspot.com/2010/11/teaser-tuesdays_23.html

Veens 11/23/10, 9:21 PM  

Yes, I thought so too. She was a powerful women but showcased as a temptress.. sad!

great teaser!

Prangon 11/24/10, 3:16 AM  

Great tease. Here is mine

Cosmetics Beauty 11/24/10, 2:29 PM  

Looks great! Cleopatra is such an interesting historical figure. I have read that Stacy Schiff creates a different portrait of Cleopatra, not just seductress/temptress but woman of power and intelligence. Can't wait to read this! Thanks for the tease!

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