Makers of History: Cleopatra

"The story of Cleopatra is a story of forbidden love—its uncontrollable impulses, its intoxicating joys, its reckless course, and the dreadful ruin in which it invariably ends."

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Cleopatra's right to the throne of Egypt was disputed, and so she bided her time and learned how to use her charm to get whatever she wanted. She eventually seduced both Julius Caesar and Mark Antony, and acquired the throne of Egypt. However, her charms were not enough to keep it, and in fact Cleopatra succeeded in tearing the empire apart and dooming the men she bewitched.

This thrilling biography—written by Jacob Abbott and newly edited for younger readers—offers a glimpse into the life of the greatest femme fatale in all history.

Cleopatra is part of Makers of History, a 19th century biography series by two brothers—Jacob and John S.C. Abbott. Reprinted by Canon Press, these biographies have been edited and brought up-to-date for readers twelve and up. Not only are these editions given vintage style paperback covers, but they also include introductions that explain where these men and women fit into the timeline of history.

From the Book:

"Her servant Apollodorus rolled the queen up in a carpet and wrapped it in cloth, so that it looked like an ordinary package of merchandise. He then threw the load over his shoulder and entered the city. Cleopatra was about twenty-one years old, but she was slender and graceful, so the burden was not very heavy. At the gates of the palace, Apollodorus told the guards that he had a present for Caesar. They let him pass, and he carried his package safely to Caesar’s quarters. Caesar was charmed when it was unrolled to reveal Cleopatra. The conversation that followed only strengthened Caesar’s first impression of her. Her intelligence, her cleverness, and even the way she spoke made her an entertaining companion, quite apart from her extensive personal charms. In fact, she completely won the great conqueror’s heart, and it immediately became impossible for him to judge impartially who had the strongest right to the throne." -From the Book