Cleopatra

By H. Rider Haggard and Henry Rider Haggard

Book Overview

H. Rider Haggard's story of the life of the great Egyptian Queen. Classics Illustrated tells this wonderful tale in colorful comic strip form, offering an excellent introduction for younger readers.... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: B0000CK0PA
• Release Date: January 1958
• Publisher: Macdonald
• Length: 273 Pages
• Weight: 0.80 lbs.

Customer Reviews

“For love is of the Spirit and knows not death” – Harmachis.

First off, Henry Rider Haggard wrote this in an annoying, mocking Shakespearean English; I was hoping it was just the introductory pages. Unfortunately, it is from the front to the very end of the book. Once you get over the teeth-grinding attempt to sound archaic, the story is a well-weaved historical novel. Haggard has a way of making you feel so much that you are there. Knowing the history, you are privileged to see the future that Harmachis, the true pharaoh of Egypt, does not see coming.

She gets what she wants... but what does she want?

Rider Haggard's Cleopatra tells the story of the legendary queen as shown through the eyes of Harmachis, an Egyptian physician and priest of Isis. It is written from the point of view of Harmacis at the end of his life. He is old and recounts his life story. Like so many others he was obsessed with the beautiful Cleopatra, and so he tells her story as much as his. Unlike most admirers, Harmachis actually gets involved with Cleopatra. She pushes him to reveal secrets of Isis (including the location of hidden treasures of the pyramids) to further her political ends. Throughout the story, the reader is left wondering whether Cleopatra really does love Harmachis. Sometimes she seems only to use him and she does betray him every time. But one has to consider that Harmachis comes from low class parents, so actually ending up with him might not be an option for her. She seems to really love him and maybe she really is trying to arrange things for them. Her power over him is complete, possibly because she doesn't know what she wants. The setting and story are lavish. After all, this is ancient Egypt, complete with hidden treasures of Isis. At the same time the story is about more timeless issues - love and betrayal and love vs religion. It has the right blend of action, emotion and awesome settings to keep me interested all the way through. And the ancient setting keeps Cleopatra from feeling dated, as do some of Haggard's other novels. I highly recommend Cleopatra to anyone into 1890's stuff, Egyptian stuff or adventure novels.

The weakness of man

_Cleopatra_ is not as strong of an effort as Haggard's more famous novels (She, King Solomon's Mines, etc.) but shows the same themes and concerns that seem to populate most of his narratives. It tells the story of Cleopatra through the eyes of Harmachis, a priest who betrays everything holy for the love of Cleopatra and is himself later betrayed. Haggard's passion for beautiful and fiery women who are somehow beyond the normal laws of society and morality is evident here.

A new light on Cleopatras life

I have read a couple of books about Cleopatra and this book by Haggard gives me a new light to things! His story about Harmachis and how he got involved with her gives somewhat a new reflection about Cleopatra. Once you started reading this, you'd definitely won't put this book down. Its sort of a time warp for you would actually get to feel as if you are part of the story! The plot, sceneries depicted-- everything is original and definitely entertaining! A must read for those who is interested with ancient Egypt!