The Reception of Cleopatra in the Age of Mass Media

by Gregory N. Daugherty

Overview

This study examines the reception of Cleopatra from the beginning of the 20th century to the present day as it has been reflected in popular culture in the United States of America. Daugherty provides a broad overview of the influence of the Egyptian queen by looking at her presence in film, novels, comics, cartoons, TV shows, music, advertising and toys. The aim of the book is to show the different ways in which the figure of Cleopatra was able to reach a large and non-elite audience.

Furthermore, Daugherty makes a study of the reception of Cleopatra during her own lifetime. He begins by looking at her portrayal in the vicious propaganda campaign waged by Octavian against his rival Marc Antony. The consequence was that Cleopatra was left with a tarnished reputation after the civil war. Daugherty's examination of both the historical and contemporary reception of Cleopatra shows the enduring legacy of one of history's most remarkable queens.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781350340749
Publisher:	Bloomsbury Publishing
Publication date:	10/06/2022
Series:	IMAGINES - Classical Receptions in the Visual and Performing Arts
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	248
File size:	4 MB

About the Author

Gregory N. Daugherty is Professor Emeritus of Classics at Randolph-Macon College, USA. He has twice received the Thomas Branch Award for Excellence in Teaching and was the winner of the APA Teaching Excellence Award in 2003 and the CAV Lurlene Todd Teacher of the Year in 2005. He served as President of the Foreign Language Association of Virginia (1995-1996), CAMWS (2007-8) and the Classical Association of Virginia (2006-8).
Gregory N. Daugherty is Professor Emeritus of Classics at Randolph-Macon College, USA. He has twice received the Thomas Branch Award for Excellence in Teaching and was the winner of the APA Teaching Excellence Award in 2003 and the CAV Lurlene Todd Teacher of the Year in 2005. He served as President of the Foreign Language Association of Virginia (1995-1996), CAMWS (2007-8) and the Classical Association of Virginia (2006-8). His research interests centered on public safety in the ancient city, with particular reference to the Imperial Roman fire brigades, but recently shifted to the reception of classics (especially Cleopatra and Homer) by American popular culture.

Table of Contents

List of Illustrations
Acknowledgements

1. 'A Lass Unparalleled'
2. The Femme Fatale
3. A Kinder, Gentler Cleopatra
4. Cleopatra Modernized
5. Lizpatra and its aftermath
6. Eighties Ladies
7. The Fantasy Queen of the 90s
8. The 21st Century 'Authentic' Cleopatras
9. The 21st Century Fantasy Cleopatras
10. 'Her Infinite Variety'

Appendix: Chronology of Cleopatra

Notes
Bibliography
Index

Editorial Reviews

This book is a broad and well-researched introduction to the evergreen subject of Cleopatra's portrayal in the pop culture of the United States. Students and scholars of media studies and Classics will find this work especially useful.” —World History Encyclopedia

“This exuberant book unveils the layers of 'infinite variety' woven through the modern popular reception of Cleopatra as notorious queen, marketing icon, and star of page and screen. Vibrantly illustrated and meticulously researched, written in the engaging style of a lifelong devotee, The Reception of Cleopatra in the Age of Mass Media is an essential contribution to Cleopatra reception studies that will satisfy students and scholars while stimulating the appetite for more.” —Monica S. Cyrino, Professor of Classics, University of New Mexico, USA

“Daugherty's book brings the reception of Cleopatra into the twenty-first century and offers a fresh look at the American Cleopatra from silent film to video games, graphic novels, and young adult literature.” —Prudence Jones, Associate Professor of Classics, Montclair State University, USA

“This volume serves as a valuable resource for high school students embarking on research, essays, or presentations. The detailed bibliographies at the end of the book provide guidance for further exploration into specific topics, enabling students to delve deeper into areas of personal interest. Its interdisciplinary approach, engaging writing style, and extensive references make it a useful tool for expanding knowledge and fostering critical thinking.” —Jourbanal of Classics Teaching

From the Publisher