The name “Cleopatra” is synonymous with sexual intrigue, power and dramatic reptilian suicide. Ancient Egypt continues to fascinate and befuddle the modern psyche, and its long-deceased rulers conjure images of gods, gold and supremacy. Hollywood has made millions feeding curious minds sordid stories of desert romance and human-hungry mummies. But while our bellies are stuffed with magic and myth and our eyes imprinted with celluloid stunts, what facts have we managed to glean from our Egyptian obsession? Pulitzer Prize-winning author and biographer, Stacy Schiff, lifts the veil and unravels the web of fiction surrounding one of history’s most intriguing women.
The life of Cleopatra the woman is characterized by powerful love affairs, incest and political voracity (sometimes ending in mysterious deaths), but the dramatic life of Egypt’s last queen is also one of shrewd strategy and brilliant negotiation. In her latest biography, Cleopatra: A Life, author Stacy Schiff brings the tale of the magnetic young queen into startling relief, weaving a luminous story of the epic and dazzling world finally given a truthful reconstruction.
Tomorrow evening, Tuesday, October 18th, Schiff will bring the factual intrigue of Cleopatra into the spotlight at the Louisville Free Public Library’s Main branch. Beginning at 7pm, Schiff will partake in an interview with University of Louisville professor and archaeologist, Dr. John Hale. Discussing Schiff’s return to classical sources for her bold biography, Schiff will explain her search to paint a portrait of a woman whose death ushered in a new world order.
This is event is free, but registration is required. Unfortunately, at the moment, tickets are unavailable, but limited standby seating may be obtainable (so stay tuned if you’re interested).
The Louisville Free Public Library’s Main branch is located at 4th street and York street
For more information on this or upcoming events, visit the Library’s website
Photo: Courtesy of Louisville Free Public Library website www.lfpl.org
