Summary
Dive into the heart of the ancient era and discover the eloquent wisdom and common sense of legendary women in this captivating book that blends history and literature, bringing to life iconic figures such as Zenobia, Cleopatra, Sappho, Octavia, Sisybambis, Amalasuntha, Berenice, Lucretia, and many others through fictitious speeches.
As you journey through these pages, you will be transported into the grand palaces and epic battlefields of Antiquity. These audacious and inspiring women take the floor to voice their thoughts, their passions, their ambitions, and their philosophies that still resonate today.
Each speech bears witness to the deep emotions and beliefs of these powerful women, offering an intimate insight into their lives and times. From Zenobia's courage in the face of the Roman Empire to Cleopatra's wisdom amidst political turmoil, through to Sappho's enchanting poetry and Octavia's dignity in the shadow of her brother, these extraordinary women reveal themselves in all their glory. This is a must-read for all lovers of history, literature, and eloquence. Commented [o31]: To be put on the back cover but not in the book.
About the authors
Madeleine de Scudéry, a prominent French woman of letters of the 17th century, was associated with the Préciosité movement. Known as Sappho at the time, she held a renowned literary salon frequented by influential figures of her day. Préciosité was a late category of 17th-century literary movements, characterized by aristocratic women with worldly behavior and stunning literary ambitions. It reflected the emergence of women in Parisian intellectual circles, advocating for gender equality in access to education and knowledge. She became a central character in certain works, notably in the German detective novel Das Fräulein von Scuderi. A garden in Paris bears her name in memory of her contribution to the literary culture of the period.
Georges de Scudéry was a French writer of the 17th century, elder brother of Madeleine de Scudéry. Born into a noble Provençal family, he was orphaned and almost without fortune at 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 nobility. He engaged in literary controversies with writers such as Corneille and displayed great productivity in writing, especially in the theatrical field. He was also a member of the French Academy and wrote prestigious novels, often attributed to his sister Madeleine.
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