Antony and Cleopatra

(Paperback)

Publishing Details

Classifications

Physical Properties

Description

The epic story of two of the world's most famous lovers - and the forces of politics, intrigue and ambition that shaped them. Brutus and Cassius are dead at Philippi, leaving two Roman men to inherit the world. One is the 20-year-old Octavian, whose brilliance, subtlety and political cunning give the lie to his small, sickly appearance. The other is Mark Antony, a man in his prime - lusty, Herculean, hedonistic, proven on the battlefields of war, politics and love. At first glance, it seems no contest: Antony is the certain winner. But in Alexandria sits Egypt's queen, Cleopatra, mourning the death of Julius Caesar, yet utterly focused on attaining world power for her only son, Caesarion. In order to achieve this, she must seduce and hold in thrall either Octavian or Antony. Her choice is Antony, whom she sees as consort, warlord and father of more children. No easy task for Cleopatra! Antony is first and foremost a Roman, an obstacle she must overcome before she can launch her bid for dominance. Antony and Cleopatra compellingly chronicles the events that inexorably led this star-crossed pair to their fate.

Author Bio

Colleen McCullough was born in New South Wales in 1937. A neuroscientist by training, she worked in hospitals in Sydney, London and Yale. By night, she wrote -- and her second novel, "The Thorn Birds" (1977) became a global bestseller. She published 25 novels, ranging from love stories to crime fiction, including the monumental, seven-volume "Masters of Rome" historical fiction series.