The distinguished French-Alexandrian novelist Claude Vincendon died in 1967, leaving unpublished her Golden Silence (1964), the typescript of which was recently discovered. The book focusses on the life of a mute girl who has been cursed by the Evil Eye, and her life in her native Alexandria, in England and Australia. The text has been edited, with commentaries, by Sibylle Vincendon (the author’s niece), Richard Pine and David Green. The exploratory essays contained in the present book address Claude Vincendon’s life; the background to her aristocratic family in Alexandria; her marriage to Irishman Tim Forde and their life together in Ireland, Australia and Israel; Claude’s second marriage to Lawrence Durrell, and their working life together in Cyprus and France; the inter-connection between their literary works; Claude’s first three novels, published in the 1960s by Faber and Faber; the social and political conditions in post-war Egypt, Britain and Australia; the construction of Golden Silence and the psychological character of silence itself; the phenomenon of the Evil Eye; and the concept of Nemesis which permeates Golden Silence.

This fascinating sourcebook documents what we know of Cleopatra and also shows how she has evolved through the lens of interpretation.

"The Landmark Julius Caesar is the definitive edition of the complete works of Julius Caesar, offering an unprecedented view into the life and career of one of the greatest statesmen and military commanders in the ancient world. Between 58 and 50 B.C., Caesar led his army to twice invade Britain and conquer most of the land that is now France, Belgium, and Switzerland. The Gallic War, Caesar's firsthand account of his campaigns, offers a record of his travels and insights into military strategy. It also served another purpose: to present the Roman public with a portrait of Caesar as a compelling, effective leader, which would be a key part of his public image as he fought off his rivals for control of the empire. The Civil War is Caesar's subsequent chronicle of his struggle to rule, from his crossing of the Rubicon in 49 B.C. through the death of his chief rival, Pompey, and the ongoing efforts of Pompey's heirs and followers to remove Caesar from power. Accompanying Caesar's commentaries are three essential additional works, The Alexandrian War, The African War, and The Spanish War, which together provide a comprehensive picture of the far-reaching military conquests that would concentrate unparalleled power and influence in the hands of the Roman dictator. With elegant new translations by Kurt A. Raaflaub, this volume includes detailed annotations, appendices, color maps, and illustrations to place the narratives in their historical and political context. Lively, accessible, and assembled with rigorous scholarship, The Landmark Julius Caesar is an indispensable resource for history buffs and fans of the classics"--

An engaging, accessible biography of the legendary Egyptian queen, with source documents Ambitious, intelligent, and desired by powerful men, Cleopatra VII came to power at a time when Roman and Egyptian interests increasingly concerned the same object: Egypt itself. Cleopatra lived and reigned at the center of this complex and persistent power struggle. Her legacy has since lost much of its former political significance, as she has come to symbolize instead the potent force of female sexuality and power. In this engaging and multifaceted account, Stanley M. Burstein displays Cleopatra in the full manifold brilliance of the multiple cultures, countries, and people that surrounded her throughout her compelling life, and in so doing develops a stunning picture of a legendary queen and a deeply historic reign. Designed as an accessible introduction to Cleopatra VII and her time, The Reign of Cleopatra offers readers and researchers an appealing mix of descriptive chapters, biographical sketches, and annotated primary documents. The narrative chapters conclude with a discussion of Cleopatra’s significance as a person, a queen, and a symbol. A glossary and annotated bibliography round out the volume.