Roller, Duane W. (Cleopatra)

Cleopatra: A Biography

New York, NY: Oxford University Press, 2010. First Edition. Hardcover. "Few personalities from classical antiquity are more familiar yet more poorly grasped than Cleopatra (69-30 B.C.), queen of Egypt. The subject of a vast repertory of post-antique popular culture, Cleopatra is generally thought of as an unfit ruler and wanton seductress--an image first created by Roman propaganda. In fact, she was an accomplished diplomat, administrator, naval commander, linguist (she was probably the first Ptolemaic ruler to learn Egyptian) and author, who, until her very last years, skillfully managed her kingdom in the face of a deteriorating political situation and increasing strength and hostility from Rome. / In 'Cleopatra,' Duane W. Roller provides the definitive biography of the queen, not as a figure in the arts and literature of the last five hundred years, but as the last Greek queen of Egypt." (from Front Flap). Offered here is one among many estimable works by archaeologist, author, and professor emeritus of Classics, Greek, and Latin at Ohio State University, Duane W. Roller (b. 1946). In Roller's "Cleopatra," the venous labyrinth of antiquity is masterfully navigated...his prose a wakeful pilot's eagle-eyed flight through formerly hazy historical airspace. The work's principal strength, then, lies in the commitments outlined above: its non sequitur-free, frankly refreshing focus on the practical & historical realities at play. As noted on left-facing leaf following half-title page, "Cleopatra" is Roller's contribution to the "Women in Antiquity" series by Oxford University Press, whose mission is to provide "...compact and accessible introductions to the life and historical times of women from the ancient world. Approaching ancient history and culture broadly, the series selects figures from the earliest of times to late antiquity." [ISBN: 978-0-19-536553-5]. Hardcover in unclipped dust-jacket: First Edition, with no reference to other editions at copyright page; First Printing, as indicated by number sequence thereon. Book in very fine condition, virtually bordering on “as new” designation. Dust-jacket also in very fine condition, with only minute shelf-wear to fine-edges, & tiny portions of low-impact rubbing to front & back covers. Very Fine / Very Fine. [Item #4933]

Price: $20.00