44 pages • 1 hour read
Cleopatra: A Life
A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Book Brief
432
Biography • Nonfiction
Egypt • 1st Century BCE
2010
Adult
18+ years
1070L
Super Short Summary
Cleopatra: A Life by Stacy Schiff chronicles the life of the Egyptian queen Cleopatra, starting from her rise to power amidst a civil war with her brother, her relationships with Julius Caesar and Mark Antony, to her eventual downfall. The biography examines her political acumen, economic reforms, and strategic alliances within the tumultuous contexts of Roman and Egyptian politics. The book contains references to suicide.
Informative
Mysterious
Contemplative
Emotional
Bittersweet
Reviews & Readership
121,038 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Stacy Schiff's Cleopatra: A Life is praised for its meticulous scholarship and vivid prose, painting a rich portrait of Cleopatra. Critics commend its balance of historical detail and narrative flair, though some find it occasionally dense with information. Overall, it successfully demystifies Cleopatra's legendary status while maintaining readability and engagement.
Who Should Read Cleopatra: A Life?
A reader who would enjoy Cleopatra: A Life by Stacy Schiff is likely fascinated by historical biographies, especially of iconic female figures. Fans of Ron Chernow's Alexander Hamilton or David McCullough's John Adams will appreciate Schiff's meticulous research and compelling storytelling in bringing Cleopatra's world to life.
121,038 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Mark Antony
Mark Antony
A Roman general and key political figure during the last years of the Roman Republic, known for his alliance and personal relationship with Cleopatra. His actions and personality are depicted as impulsive and theatrical.
Julius Caesar
Julius Caesar
A renowned military commander and Roman statesman, whose alliance with Cleopatra provided her with much-needed support and legitimacy during her early reign. Known for his reforms in Rome and complex personal life.
Octavian
Octavian
Julius Caesar’s adopted heir who eventually becomes the first emperor of Rome. He is depicted as a calculating and ambitious leader, whose rivalry with Antony influences the political landscape and Cleopatra’s fate.
432
Biography • Nonfiction
Egypt • 1st Century BCE
2010
Adult
18+ years
1070L
Continue your reading experience
Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 8,000+ additional titles.