Book Review: Cleopatra by author Stacy Schiff

Book Review by Cos Barnes

One of the most famous women in the history of the world, the Egyptian ruler Cleopatra, reigned for almost 22 years. According to biographer Stacy Schiff, her beauty took second place to her political diplomacy and savvy. Born in 69 B.C. she is known as the seducer of Julius Caesar, with whom she had a child, and his protege, Mark Anthony, the latter to whom she bore three children. A mother of four, she was married twice, but both times to her brothers, the first with whom she fought a civil war, the second whom she poisoned. She also did away with a sister.

“Murder and incest were family traits,” says Schiff.

This book is not light reading; in fact, I found myself constantly refering to the footnotes. It is somewhat of a history text, but the author’s use of vocabulary is extraordinary, and Cleopatra’s story is phenomenal. Although I kept picturing Elizabeth Taylor, Cleopatra was not only the great beauty but was an educated and intelligent ruler who spoke nine languages and managed political strategy with ease. The only woman to rule alone in the ancient world, she was wealthy and endured no revolts during her reign. However, after her death at 39, a generation before the birth of Christ, Egypt became a province of Rome. She died in 30 B.C., and according to Schiff, “With her she took both the 400-year-old Roman Republic and the Hellenistic Age.”

“Cleopatra” takes study. It is not casual reading. However, one comes away with a new understanding of an incredible woman who exerted an exhilarating presence.