Promotional Information

Passion, politics, love and death combine in a novel of the legendary love triangle between the three leaders of the Roman era: Cleopatra, Mark Antony and Octavian, from the bestselling author of The Thorn Birds Mark Antony, famous warrior and legendary lover, expected that he would be Julius Caesar's successor. But after Caesar's murder it was his 18-year old nephew, Octavian, who was named in the will. No-one, least of all Antony, expected him to last but his youth and slight frame concealed a remarkable determination and a clear strategic sense. Antony was the leader of the fabulously rich East. Barely into his campaigning, he met Cleopatra, Pharaoh of Egypt. Bereft by the loss of Julius Caesar, her lover, father of her only son, she saw Antony as another Roman who could support her and provide more heirs. His fascination for her, his sense that she knew the way forward where he had lost his, led to the beginning of their passionate, and very public affair. The two men, twin rulers of Rome, might have found a way to live with each other but not with Cleopatra between them. This is a truly epic story of power and scandal, battle and passion, political spin and inexorable fate with a rich historical background and a remarkable cast of characters, all brought brilliantly to life by Colleen McCullough. It is hard to leave the world she has created. Key title / An epic story of power and scandal, based on the legendary love triangle between the three leaders of the Roman era / Rich in historical detail, Antony and Cleopatra, is perfect for all fans of Philippa Gregory, Conn Iggulden and Gladiator / The Emmy-award nominated BBC series, Rome, attracting over 1.5 million viewers per episode, and the film 300, have re-ignited interest in this hugely popular period in history / Competition: Maeve Binchy, Lindsay Davis; Conn Iggulden, Philippa Gregory

About the Author

Colleen McCullough was born in western New South Wales in 1937. A neuroscientist by training, she worked in various Sydney and English hospitals before settling into 10 years of research and teaching in the Department of Neurology at the Yale Medical School in the USA. In 1974 her first novel, Tim, was published in New York, followed by the bestselling The Thorn Birds in 1977 and a string of successful novels, including the acclaimed Masters of Rome series. In 1980 she settled in Norfolk Island, where she lives with her husband, Ric Robinson, and a cat named Shady.

Reviews

McCullough (The Thorn Birds; The October Horse) continues her Masters of Rome series with a chronicle of one of history's most infamous love affairs. After the death of Julius Caesar, Mark Antony, Caesar's ambitious and brash cousin, and Octavian, Caesar's adopted son and designated heir, agree to jointly administer the far-flung empire: Antony in the East and Octavian in the West. It's not a happy arrangement, though, and their rivalry to rule Rome is the overarching theme of this sprawling, captivating saga. After a disastrous campaign to subdue the Parthians, Antony turns to Cleopatra, the enigmatic and fabulously wealthy queen of Egypt, to replenish his war chest. Determined to make Caesarion, her son by Julius Caesar, ruler of Rome, Cleopatra seduces Antony and soon has him "as soft as a mushy pudding." Meanwhile, with the aid of his wife and Marcus Agrippa, Octavian secures his position in Rome and Italia. Prodded by Cleopatra, Antony gathers his forces in Greece for an invasion of Italia. The tragic denouement is, in McCullough's capable hands, no less compelling for being so well known. As with the previous volumes in this series, the author's scholarship and larger-than-life characters bring a tempestuous Rome to life. (Dec.) Copyright 2007 Reed Business Information.

Praise for 'Antony and Cleopatra': 'An irresistible read' Daily Mail 'Full of passion, greed, intrigue and betrayal!a thoroughly entertaining read' Glasgow Herald Praise for Colleen McCullough: 'Fast-moving and immensely readable!this book is a page turner from start to finish' Maeve Binchy 'McCullough piles on the drama' Daily Mail 'Sizzling family drama stuffed with passion, tragedy, love and sex' More 'Absorbing' Sunday Telegraph 'Compelling, passionate and gritty' She 'Probes the depths of the human heart in a haunting, multi-layered novel' Good Book Guide 'Deliciously addictive!a classic tale of wealth and power--an engrossing read' Sainsbury's magazine