More than just a biog of the couple, it tells the whole story of Rome moving from Republic to Empire, sometimes perhaps with too much detail (do we really need an aphrodisiac recipe or the working methods of the gladiators?). but overall a good amalgam of the characters, their motivations, the military and economic factors and much more. Cleopatra is shown as intelligent, highly educated, ambitious, politically astute and an effective wielder of power, though it was a losing ticket from the start..Makes good case for her conclusion that A & C were the first and perhaps even the greatest COUPLE in history - try and think of another: William & Mary? Nicholas and Alexandra? Fernando and Isabella? Really no contenders. ( )

This joint biography of Cleopatra and Antony is a great man's (and woman's) history of their times. It is a fast and entertaining read. Diana Preston is not a specialist in the period and appears to take some care in interpreting the imperfect and unreliable ancient sources, but does not always help herself from reprinting the striking and romantic versions of the story as true. Learning more about Egyptian history and the amazingly brutal incest and murders in the royal family puts an interesting counterpoint on what is normally related as a Roman-centric story. ( )

Cleopatra and Antony is a new look at one of history's most famous couples. Diana Preston follows the career of the Egyptian queen, while at the same time telling the story of Rome from the ascension and assassination of her first lover, Julius Caesar (the story starts earlier with the civil war vs. Pompey) through the second Triumvirate of Octavian, Antony and Lepidus through its climax with a second civil war and the decisive Battle of Actium.

The story is a familiar one, but this book is a refreshing view point. Even many popular histories pick up on the Shakespearean dramatic ending of Cleopatra committing suicide via asp-on-breast following Antony's own suicide to avoid capture by Octavian. But Cleopatra actually buried her lover, and spent weeks negotiating with the soon-to-be Augustus Caesar, mostly in an attempt to secure a future for her children. When she could do no more, she orchestrated a suicide, but the snake was likely a cobra, not an asp.

It's detail like the above that make this a refreshing new look on a tale from the ages. I didn't think I would learn anything new, but Preston tells us of how Ptolemiac traditions created competition among the children in line for the throne and how it led to the rare occurrence of a woman ruler. Marc Antony was a rising star dating back to his time as one of Julius Caesar's most trusted generals, but Cleopatra played him for the benefit of her nation. More often than not, she appeared to "wear the pants" in their relationship, bringing military and other aid as it suited her, and not always when Antony needed it most. Cleopatra has the most to benefit from the relationship, her foreign influence reflected badly upon Antony and gave Octavian the upper hand in their struggle for complete control. That Antony had forsaken his other wives for the Queen of the Nile would indicate he was smitten and powerless to check her designs and leverage the relationship to his complete advantage. ( )

I thought Diana Preston did an entertaining job of laying out the history of the political fueds, murder, and love life of Mark Antony and Cleopatra.

Pros:
She steered clear of over romanticising Antony and Cleopatra's life together.
A good run down of Roman politics and culture.
Entertaining information about Cleopatra's family.
An interesting take on Cleopatra. She was shown as much more than a "beautiful seductress." Preston presented an educated, quick witted Cleopatra.

Cons:
There were a few sections that dragged.

Overall, the book was a thrilling read, and I highly reccommend it if you're interested in ancient Rome or Egypt. ( )

Revisionist history of Cleopatra, who is portrayed as much more than a trollop. Fascinating details of the clash of two major empires with outcomes that changed the course of human history. ( )