The Secret History

Name: The Secret History
Brand: Penguin Random House NZ
SKU: 9780140455281
Price: 24.0 NZD
Availability: InStock

By Procopius

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3.84

( 3,353 ratings, 362 reviews)

Summary

The Secret History by Procopius unveils the hidden truths behind the reign of the Byzantine Emperor Justinian and his wife, Empress Theodora. It offers a critical perspective, revealing scandalous details and corruption within the imperial court. This document provides an alternative view to the public narratives, shedding light on the darker aspects of their leadership.
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Format: Paperback / softback

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The Secret History

$24⁰⁰

Elsewhere:

~~$26⁰⁰~~

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?

This book may appeal to you if you're interested in the intriguing behind-the-scenes machinations of Byzantine imperial politics. As a reader, you'll be captivated by Procopius's candid and often scandalous accounts of Emperor Justinian and his court, offering a unique glimpse into the complexities and controversies of the era.

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 general Belisarius as the pliable dupe of his scheming wife Antonina. This book depicts holy Byzantium as a hell of murder and misrule.

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 different—and dangerous—history 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

Collections

Ancient & Classical History Biography & Memoir European History History & Military Marnie's Top Reads Non-Fiction Penguin Books Penguin Classics Procopius

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.