Alexandria: The Last Nights of Cleopatra

Peter Stothard

jul 2014 · Abrams

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A blend of memoir, history, and travelogue exploring the ancient Egyptian city on the eve of the Arab Spring: “Fresh and original . . . quietly virtuosic.” —The Wall Street Journal

Blending aspects of memoir, history, and travel narrative into an elegant and unique tapestry, Peter Stothard uses the sights and sounds of the ancient city to reconnect with the experiences that shaped him and sparked a passionate interest in the life of Cleopatra. Melancholy, yet often humorous, Alexandria probingly deconstructs the enigma of modern Egypt—with its uneasy mix of classical touchstones and increasingly volatile Middle Eastern politics—and offers a firsthand glimpse into the fracturing state just before the Tahrir Square uprising and the start of the Arab Spring.

Includes photographs

“A thoroughly enjoyable combination of history, autobiography, travel and general musings about Alexandria . . . Don’t try to categorize this book; just read it and let it flow over you.” —Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

“A chance trip to Alexandria and a lifelong love affair with Cleopatra coalesce . . . Staying in Alexandria’s Metropole Hotel and guided through the city by the at turns effusive and secretive Socratis and Mahmoud, Stothard relates not only his encounters with the remnants of Cleopatra throughout Alexandria but also the origins of his fascination with the Egyptian queen.” —Publishers Weekly

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Peter Stothard is the editor of the Times Literary Supplement and author of Alexandria and The Spartacus Road. From 1992 to 2002 he was the Editor of The Times. In 2012 he was chairman of the judges for the Man Booker Prize.