GIVEAWAY & REVIEW: Cleopatra by Stacy Schiff (AUDIO)

Product Description

Her palace shimmered with gold but was richer still in political and sexual intrigue. Cleopatra, the wealthiest ruler of her time and one of the most powerful women in history, was a canny political strategist, a brilliant manager, a tough negotiator, and the most manipulative of lovers. Although her life spanned fewer than forty years, it reshaped the contours of the ancient world.

At only 18 years old, Cleopatra was already one of history's most remarkable figures: the Queen of Egypt. A lethal political struggle with her brother marked her early adulthood and set the tone for the rest of her life; a relationship with Julius Caesar, forged while under siege in her palace, launched her into a deadly mix of romance and strategy; a pleasure cruise down the Nile followed, a child, and a trip to Rome, which ended in Cleopatra's flight. After Caesar's brutal murder, she began a nine-year affair with Mark Antony, with whom she had three more children. Antony and Cleopatra's alliance and attempt to forge a new empire spelled both their ends.

The subject of gossip and legend, veneration and speculation in her lifetime, Cleopatra fascinated the world right up to her death. In the 2000 years since, myths about the last Queen of Egypt have been fueled by Shakespeare, Dryden, and Shaw, who put words in her mouth, and by Michelangelo, Delacroix, and Elizabeth Taylor, who put a face to her name. In Cleopatra, Pulitzer prize-winning biographer Stacy Schiff accomplishes a feat that has eluded artists and writers for centuries: capturing fully the operatic life of an exceptionally seductive and powerful woman, whose death ushered in a new world order.

About the Author

Stacy Schiff is the author of Véra (Mrs. Vladimir Nabokov), winner of the Pulitzer Prize; Saint-Exupéry, a Pulitzer Prize finalist; and A Great Improvisation, winner of the George Washington Book Prize and the Ambassador Book Award. She has been a Guggenheim Fellow, and a fellow at the center for Scholars & Writers, and received an Academy Award in Literature from the American Academy of Arts and Letters. Schiff has contributed to The New Yorker and The New York Times, where she has been an op-ed columnist. She lives in New York City.

Product Details

• Audio CD
• Publisher: Hachette Audio; Unabridged edition (November 1, 2010)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1607887010
• ISBN-13: 978-1607887010

SOURCE:  PUBLISHER

MY THOUGHTS

ABSOLUTELY LOVED IT

The story Stacy Schiff tells in Cleopatra is truly stunning and current for today's world.  In parts it reminded me a bit of my favorite Queen, Elizabeth.  Schiff explains how Cleopatra came into power and retained that power with her intelligence and wealth.  She proved to be a shrewd ruler and was able to outmaneuver even the great Roman leaders of Marc Anthony and Cesar.  This is really an amazing listen.

WANT TO WIN A COPY OF THIS AUDIO BOOK?

Contest is open to anyone with a US or Canadian mailing addresses (no PO Boxes)

Contest ends on 2.21.11 Winner will be chosen by Random.org on  2.22.11
Winner will have 48 hours to respond to email or a new winner will be chosen.
This giveaway is sponsored by Hachette Book Group and up to 2 audio books will be available.
Only one winner per household address!

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