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The Secret History
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The Secret History
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?
Portrays the 'great lawgiver' Justinian as a rampant king of corruption and tyranny, the Empress Theodora as a sorceress and whore, and the general Belisarius as the pliable dupe of his scheming wife Antonina. This book depicts holy Byzantium as a hell of murder and misrule.
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Description
This edition contains a revision of the existing translation, revision of chronology and genealogy, and a new introduction of 4-6000 words, new notes, and a new selection of further reading.
A trusted member of the Byzantine establishment, Procopius was the Empire's official chronicler, and his History of the Wars of Justinian proclaimed the strength and wisdom of the Emperor's reign. Yet all the while, the dutiful scribe was working on a very differentโand dangerousโhistory to be published only once its author was safely in his grave.
The Secret History portrays the 'great lawgiver' Justinian as a rampant king of corruption and tyranny, the Empress Theodora as a sorceress and whore, and the brilliant general Belisarius as the pliable dupe of his scheming wife Antonina. Magnificently hyperbolic and highly opinionated, The Secret History is a work of explosive energy, depicting holy Byzantium as a hell of murder and misrule.
Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?
The Secret History by Procopius is often praised for its candid and controversial insights into the Byzantine Empire, highlighting the dichotomy between the public facade and private vices of the imperial court. Reviewers appreciate the book's engaging narrative style and consider it an invaluable source for understanding the darker aspects of Emperor Justinian's reign. While some note the potential biases of Procopius, his unique perspective provides a gripping historical account that continues to intrigue readers.
Book Details
INFORMATION
ISBN: 9780140455281
Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd
Format: Paperback / softback
Date Published: 04 October 2007
Country: United Kingdom
Imprint: Penguin Classics
Contributors:
- Edited by Peter Sarris
- Translated by G. Williamson
Audience: General / adult
DIMENSIONS
Spine width: 11.0mm
Width: 130.0mm
Height: 198.0mm
Weight: 134g
Pages: 176
About the Author
Very little is known about Procopius. He was born in Palestine around AD 500 and fought for the Byzantine Empire in Persia, Africa and Italy. G. A. Williamson (1895-1982) also translated Josephus- The Jewish Wars (1959) and Eusebius- The History of the Church (1965) for Penguin Classics. Peter Sarris is a University Lecturer in Early Medieval History and Fellow of Trinity College, Cambridge.
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History of the Wars, Volume I
Procopius, born at Caesarea in Palestine late in the 5th century, became a lawyer. In 527 CE, he was made legal adviser and secretary of Belisarius, commander against the Persians, and went with Belisarius again in 533 against the Vandals and in 535 against the Ostrogoths. Sometime after 540, he returned to Constantinople. He may have been that Procopius who...Hardback$9400Unit price /UnavailableAvailableShips in 3-4 weeks -
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Secret History
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