Cleopatra's Nose is an exuberant gathering of essays and profiles representing twenty years of Judith Thurman's celebrated writing, particularly her fascination with human vanity, femininity, and "women's work"—from haute couture to literature to commanding empires. The subjects are iconic (Jackie, the Brontës, Toni Morrison, Anne Frank) and multifarious (tofu and performance art, pornography and platform shoes, kimonos and bulimia); all inspire dazzling displays of craft, wit, penetration, and intelligence. Here we find explorations of voracity: hunger for sex, food, experience, and transcendence; see how writers from Flaubert to Nadine Gordimer have engaged with history; meet eminent Victorians and the greats of fashion. Whether reporting on hairstyles, strolling the halls of power, or deftly unpacking novels and their writers, Thurman never fails to provoke, inspire, captivate, and enlighten. Cleopatra's Nose is an embarrassment of riches from one of our great literary journalists.

The Pulitzer Prize-winning author of The Discoverers demonstrates the truth behind the aphorism that if Cleopatra's nose had been shorter, the face of the world would have been changed. Boorstin goes on to uncover the elements of accident, improvisation and contradiction at the core of American institutions and beliefs.

In this final novel in the Roman series, McCullough turns her attention to the legendary romance of Antony and Cleopatra.

She was the last ruler of the Macedonian dynasty of Ptolemies who had ruled Egypt for three centuries. Highly educated (she was the only one of the Ptolemies to read and speak ancient Egyptian as well as the court Greek) and very clever (her famous liaisons with Julius Caesar and Mark Antony were as much to do with politics as the heart), she steered her kingdom through impossibly taxing internal problems and railed against greedy Roman imperialism. Stripping away preconceptions as old as her Roman enemies, Joyce Tyldesley uses all her skills as an Egyptologist to give us this magnificent biography.

The incredible untold story of the children of Cleopatra, Egypt’s most powerful and notorious ruler—a novel that “brims over with rich details of Roman life, historical personages, and political turmoil” (Romantic Times)—from the internationally bestselling author of Nefertiti “Fast-paced, intriguing, and beautifully written.”—The Boston Globe The marriage of Marc Antony and Cleopatra is one of the greatest love stories of all time. Feared and hunted by the powers in Rome, the lovers choose to die by their own hands as the triumphant armies of Antony’s rival, Octavian, sweep into Egypt. When their orphaned children are taken in chains to Rome, only two—the ten-year-old twins Selene and Alexander—survive the journey. As they come of age, they are buffeted by the personal ambitions of Octavian’s family and court, by the ever-present threat of slave rebellion, and by the longings deep within their own hearts. Recounted in Selene’s youthful and engaging voice, Michelle Moran introduces a compelling cast of historical characters: Octavia, the emperor Octavian’s kind and compassionate sister, abandoned by Marc Antony for Cleopatra; Livia, Octavian’s bitter and jealous wife; Marcellus, Octavian’s handsome, flirtatious nephew and heir apparent; Tiberius, Livia’s sardonic son and Marcellus’s great rival for power; and Juba, Octavian’s watchful aide, whose honored position at court has far-reaching effects on the lives of the young Egyptian royals. Based on meticulous research, Cleopatra’s Daughter is a fascinating portrait of imperial Rome and of the people and events of this most tumultuous period in human history. Emerging from the shadows of the past, Selene must confront the same forces that destroyed her mother and struggle to meet a different fate.

Dan Rawlins, a world-famous archaeologist working out of New York's Metropolitan Museum, asks his assistant to find half of an Egyptian ankh in the museum's collection. But she disappears, only to turn up murdered. The relic is nowhere to be found. Meanwhile, Jacinda El-Bahri, a Mossad agent, is on the run in Cairo after stealing the other half of the ankh from a powerful terrorist. Known as Salameh, he plans to use the relic's incredible energy to unleash a power of biblical proportions. Across three continents and three thousand years, the struggle to reunite the ancient artifacts rages. And Dan and Jacinda, caught in the throes of an ancient evil, may be the only hope for the modern world. At the Publisher's request, this title is being sold without Digital Rights Management Software (DRM) applied.

'The Greatest Christmas Novels, Tales & Poems (Illustrated)' brings together an exceptional anthology that spans a wide array of literary styles and themes, enriched by the varied historical and cultural contexts of its contributors. This collection skillfully intertwines the spirit of Christmas with elements of human experience, rendered through the unique perspectives and narrative voices of some of the most prominent figures in literary history. The anthology's diversity is exemplified in its inclusion of works ranging from poignant tales and lyrical poems to enthralling novellas, all unified under the overarching theme of Christmas. The illustrative accompaniments further augment the text, adding a visual depth to the literary exploration of Yuletide sentiments, making it a standout compilation in the celebration of Christmas through literature. The assembled authors, including Selma Lagerlöf, Charles Dickens, and Leo Tolstoy, among others, bring an unparalleled richness to the collection. Hailing from varied backgrounds, these writers collectively contribute to a tapestry of cultural and historical narratives that reflect the multifaceted essence of Christmas. The anthology does not only align with literary movements but encapsulates a global spirit of festivity, kindness, and reflection. It presents an opportunity to traverse the globe, understanding Christmas across different epochs and societies, through the lens of literary masters. This juxtaposition of distinct voices fosters a deeper appreciation for both the universal and unique aspects of the holiday season. For readers seeking to delve into the heart of Christmas through a literary lens, 'The Greatest Christmas Novels, Tales & Poems (Illustrated)' offers a treasure trove of insights, emotions, and timeless wonder. Beyond its educational value, the anthology serves as a portal to the past, bringing the spirit of Christmas to life through the power of storytelling. It invites readers to explore the breadth of human emotion and tradition encapsulated within its pages, making it an essential addition to any holiday collection and a source of inspiration for generations to come.