The Alexiad - Softcover

Comnena, Anna

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1627301127 ISBN 13: 9781627301121

Publisher: Masterworks Classics, 2015

Synopsis

The Alexiad, a compelling, dramatic account of the Emperor Alexios of the Byzantine Empire (about 1050-1118), was written by Alexios' highly educated and articulate daughter, Anna Komnene. A princess raised in the royal court, Komnene (latinized as Comnena) is generally regarded as the first woman historian. She wrote the book from a convent during the last years of her life. This epic book covers the First Crusade, daily life at the court, internal plots and intrigues, wars and invasions, and religious heresies--all from the perspective of one who was there. It is the only primary source of the First Crusade from the Byzantine point of view. The translation from Greek to English by Elizabeth A. S. Dawes has been praised both for its readability and its accuracy.

About this title

About the Author:

Anna Comnena (1083 - 1148?), Byzantine princess, historian, and the daughter of Byzantine Ruler Alexius Comnenus, was born in Constantinople. She is best - known for one of the most remarkable Greek historical writings of the Middle Ages, Alexiad (1148). With the help of her mother, Irene Ducaena, she then attempted to disinherit her brother, John II, in favour of her husband. She was exposed and lost her fortune and reputation. Later, she was sent to a convent, where she wrote Alexiad.

About this edition

• Publisher: Masterworks Classics
• Publication date: 2015
• ISBN 10: 1627301127
• ISBN 13: 9781627301121
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 414