The Classical Novels: The Macedonian and Scenes from the Life of Cleopatra (Revised)

by Mary Butts

Book Overview

Mary Butts had a keen interest in classical history, and an imagination tuned to understanding the personalities of visionary rulers. These two historical novels, published in England in her lifetime to considerable acclaim, are surprisingly well-suited for publication in one volume: the segue from Alexander the Great's death and legacy is readily made to the rise 250 years later of a strong, intelligent, and capable Queen in Alexandria. Each novel...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0929701429
• ISBN13: 9780929701424
• Release Date: September 1994
• Publisher: McPherson
• Length: 385 Pages
• Weight: 1.29 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.3" x 5.6" x 8.5"

Customer Reviews

An old romantic-era gem

Mary Butts died at 45, but left her mark on English women's fiction. This is not her best novel, but it's nevertheless charming. One must note that it has more in common with the novels of the romantic era than the modern historical novel, and furthermore, historical accuracy is not always high, even understanding it was researched and written in the 1920s-early 30s. Still, the work is rich in language and philosophic speculation. For those interested in an novel about Alexander from the earlier period, this is the one to read (along with Nikos Kazantzakis' young-reader's novel, ALEXANDER THE GREAT).