Summary
Immerse yourself in the ancient era and discover the eloquent wit and good sense of
legendary women in this captivating book, intertwining history and literature, which brings to life
iconic figures such as Zenobia, Cleopatra, Sappho, Octavia, Sisybambis,
Amalasuntha, Berenice, Lucretia and many more through fictional speeches.
As you browse through these pages, you will be transported to the sumptuous palaces and epic
battlefields of Antiquity. These audacious and inspiring women take the floor to express their thoughts,
passions, ambitions, and philosophies that still resonate today.
Each speech bears witness to these powerful women's deep emotions and firm convictions,
offering an intimate look at their life and their era. From Zenobia's courage in the face of the Roman Empire, to Cleopatra's wisdom amidst political turmoil, to Sappho's mesmerizing poetry, and Octavia's dignity in her brother's shadow, these extraordinary women reveal themselves in all their splendor. A must-read for all lovers of history, literature, and eloquence.


About the Authors
Madeleine de Scudéry, a prominent French woman of letters of the 17th century, was associated with the Préciosité movement. Nicknamed Sappho at the time, she ran a highly reputed literary salon, frequented by influential figures of her time. Préciosité was a late category of the 17th century literary movements, characterized by aristocratic women with worldy attitudes and astonishing literary ambitions. It reflected the emergence of women in Parisian intellectual circles, advocating for gender equality in education and knowledge access. She became a central character in several works, notably the German detective novel Das Fräulein von Scuderi. A garden in Paris is named in her memory for her contribution to the literary culture of her era.


Georges de Scudéry was a French writer of the 17th century, elder brother of Madeleine de Scudéry. Originating from a noble Provençal family, he was orphaned and nearly penniless by the age of twelve. After serving in the army of the Duke of Savoy and Louis XIII, he devoted himself fully to literature. Scudéry was known for his vanity and presumption, boasting of his military exploits and his noble lineage. He engaged in literary controversies with writers such as Corneille and showed significant writing productivity, particularly in the theatrical field. He was also a member of the Académie française and wrote prestigious novels, often attributed to his sister Madeleine.




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