Classical Novels - The [MARY BUTTS]

Mary Butts had a keen interest in classical history, and an imagination tuned to understanding the personalities of visionary rulers. These two historical novels—The Macedonian and Scenes from the Life of Cleopatra, were published in England during her lifetime to considerable acclaim, and are surprisingly well-suited for publication in one volume. The first novel follows Alexander the Great's life, death and legacy; the segue to Cleopatra 250 years later presents an equally strong, intelligent, and capable queen in Alexandria. Each novel is thoroughly researched and richly imagined. Butts' style is fluid, the writing is crisp and colloquial, and the scenes are dramatic. These are historical novels unlike all but a few others; Butts' purpose is to go so beneath the conventional understanding of Greek and Roman history to retrieve specific meanings relevant to her contemporary social and political arenas. She realized, for example, how distorted and sexually compromised the figure of Cleopatra had become in the hands of male historians and dramatists (only Shakespeare is partly exempted); and so with fierce dedication Butts sought to retrieve the truth and dignity of her life. This volume of Mary Butts' work includes two complete novels and three related short stories: "The Later Life of Theseus, King of Athens," "Bellerophon to Anteia," and "A Roman Speaks." Preface by Thomas McEvilley.