Memoirs of Hadrian by Marguerite Yourcenar, Grace Frick (Translator)
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(Paperback)
- Pub. Date: May 2005
- 408pp
- Sales Rank: 36,967
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Product Details
- Pub. Date: May 2005
- Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux
- Format: Paperback, 408pp
- Sales Rank: 36,967
- ISBN-13: 9780374529260
- ISBN: 0374529264
Synopsis
Both an exploration of character and a reflection on the meaning of history, Memoirs of Hadrian has received international acclaim since its first publication in France in 1951. In it, Marguerite Yourcenar reimagines the Emperor Hadrian's arduous boyhood, his triumphs and reversals, and finally, as emperor, his gradual reordering of a war-torn world, writing with the imaginative insight of a great writer of the twentieth century while crafting a prose style as elegant and precise as those of the Latin stylists of Hadrian's own era.
Annotation
A historical novel based on the life of the Emperor Hadrian, in the form of a letter to his adopted grandson, later emperor.
More Reviews and RecommendationsBiography
Marguerite Yourcenar is one of the most acclaimed writers of the twentieth century. Author of over twenty books--of which Hadrian is her acknowledged masterpiece--she was the first woman elected to the Academie Française. She died in 1987.
Customer Reviews
Hadrian, A Man of Contrastsby Anonymous
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October 03, 2001: Marguerite Yourcenar brings with panache Hadrian, a 2nd century Roman Emperor, back to life. Impersonating Hadrian, Yourcenar imagines that he is writing a series of letters to the attention of Marcus Aurelius, his successor. The dying emperor is pondering over his own life and legacy to the world, as any contemporary reader will do one day. Although Hadrian knows that his contribution to humanity is as fragile as his own existence, he wants to remain optimistic about the destiny of Rome and the future of human race.
Contemporary french literature at its bestby Anonymous
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August 23, 2000: This book, written by the first woman to be admitted into the French Academy (l'Academie Francaise) will captivate you. Written as an autobiography, it expresses the thoughts and feelings of a common man, who was also the emperor or Rome. Beautifully written, it covers all aspects of a man's life, describing the soul, mind and heart of Hadrian. This is a masterpiece which should be read by anyone looking for a superb story full of humanity. This book is the best example of french contemporary literature. An outstanding book which you will like to give to anyone you love.
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