Since both before and afterward, procopius wrote approvingly of the emperor, it was suggested in the past that he was not the author of the work, but it is now generally. A novel of empress theodora by stephanie thornton july 18, 20 july 17, 20 the lit bitch the exotic flavor of the east is resonating and glowing off every page of this novel. Jun 10, 2010 when justin died and justinian became emperor in 527, theodora from the brothel was empress of rome. Download for offline reading, highlight, bookmark or take notes while you read the secret history. Her intelligence and political acumen made her justinians most trusted adviser and enabled her to use the power and influence of. In sixth century constantinople there is a woman who will. A historical novel, about theodora s years as empress.
The secret history claims to provide explanations and additions that the author could not insert into his work on the wars for fear of retribution from justinian and theodora. The woman whose image was later immortalized in glittering mosaic was a scrappy, clever, conniving, fleshandblood woman full of. If there is one book you choose to read on ancient times, let it be the secret history. This acclaimed book by stephanie thornton is available at in several formats for your ereader. On the other hand, secret history by the same historian, shows her as a shrewd and mean queen who used her sexuality to control the emperor. The crimes of theodora from a secret history by procopius. The secret history audiobook by stephanie marie thornton. The author tells of the rise of a poor girl to empress theodora. Stephanie thornton traces the early life of theodora, who, in sixth century constantinople, defied every convention and rose from a common theater tart to become the empress of a great kingdom and the most powerful. A novel of empress theodora, the secret history, stephanie thornton, berkley. The secret history a novel of empress theodora epub. In sixth century constantinople, one woman, theodora, defied every.
In sixthcentury constantinople, one woman, theodora, defied every convention and all the odds and rose from, isbn 9780451417787 buy the the secret history. The woman whose image was later immortalized in glittering mosaic was a scrappy, clever, conniving, fleshand. When justin died and justinian became emperor in 527, theodorafromthebrothel was empress of rome. Normally, i dont love historical fiction because the inaccuracy of it grates on me.
Her mind was firmly and perpetually fixed upon inhumanity. I have long been fascinated by the woman, and even have a photo of the famous ravenna murals of her and her husband, emperor justinian, on my office wall at home. A novel of empress theodora by stephanie thornton 20, paperback at the best online prices at. A novel of empress theodora stephanie thorntons theodora is tough and intelligent, spitting defiance against the cruel world of the byzantine empire. No one ever once persuaded her or forced her to do anything. The 6thcentury ce byzantine historian procopius of caesarea states in his secret history anekdota that theodora earned her living, like her mother before her, as an actress, which meant performing in the hippodrome. Ill warn of spoilers, though the protagonist is a historical figure, so pretty much any research into her would result in spoilers too. Nov 26, 2014 empress theodora was the wife of the emperor justinian.
This acclaimed book by stephanie thornton is available at in several formats for. The secret history quotes showing of 3 you never know what you can achieve so long as you never stop trying. In sixthcentury constantinople, one woman, theodora, defied every convention and all the odds and rose from common theater tart to empress of a. Where theodora went, trouble followed in sixth century constantinople, one woman, theodora, defied every convention and all the odds, and rose from being a common theater tart to become empress of a great kingdom, the most powerful woman the roman empire would ever know. Character appearance what sort of people were justinian and theodora. The secret history by stephanie thornton overdrive rakuten. Her father was said to be a bear trainer in the byzantine capital, constantinople. Where theodora went, trouble followed in sixthcentury constantinople, one woman, theodora, defied every convention and all the odds and rose. History remembers theodora as an empress who fought for women rights and passed laws to prohibit the trafficking of young girls.
Stephanie thornton writes a remarkable first novel that brings a little known woman to full. Traces the early life of theodora, who, in sixth century constantinople, defied every convention and rose from a common theater tart to. Empress theodora was the wife of the emperor justinian. A secret history a story of desperation and redemption. A novel of empress theodora ebook written by stephanie thornton. Please join stephanie thornton as she tours virtually for the secret history. A novel of empress theodora by stephanie thornton july 18, 20 july 17, 20 the lit bitch the exotic flavor of the east is. Stephanie thorntons novel of empress theodora brought to mind the story of eva peron. A novel of empress theodora by stephanie thornton where theodora went, trouble followed.
The exotic flavor of the east is resonating and glowing off every page of this novel. The secret history is a dense, detailed, atmospheric, and just an endlessly fascinating look at one of historys forgotten women. A novel of empress theodora is not only one to house on your personal shelves permanently, but. A novel of empress theodora by stephanie thornton synopsis. Burtons awardwinning novel, far away bird, which details theodora s early life, is available in paperback and on audiobook. Before there was a legendary empress, there was a conflicted young woman from the lower classes. Christianity is on the rise and paganism in retreat. Historical novel society thorntons wellconceived and engrossing tale exalts a historical figure of. Author stephanie thornton does not disappoint as her book the secret history. The main source of information on theodoras life comes from a manuscript called the wars of justinian, written by procopius, an historian, who. Where theodora went, trouble followed in sixthcentury constantinople, one woman, theodora, defied every convention and all the odds and rose from common theater. Waiting on wednesday the secret history just one more. Her rise from street urchin to emperors consort made me want to stand up and cheer. Justin, justinian, and theodora from a secret history by.
A novel of empress theodora reveals the story of theodora, the revered byzantine empress who rose from humble beginnings to become one of the most powerful women in the world. A historical novel, about theodora s years up until she became empress. The secret history book king county library system. Where theodora went, trouble followed in sixthcentury constantinople, one woman, theodora, defied every convention and all the odds and rose from common theater tart to empress of a great kingdom, the most powerful woman the roman empire wou. Where theodora went, trouble followed in sixth century constantinople, one woman, theodora, defied every convention and all the odds, and rose from being a common theater tart to become empress of a great kingdom, the most powerful woman the. The secret history is a dense, detailed, atmospheric, and just an endlessly fascinating look at one of history s forgotten women. Along the way the author has created enough twists and turns to keep you guessing who did what when.
Ancient history encyclopedia receives a small commission for. The classic rags to riches story is made richer still by theodora s achievements in power. The secret history where theodora went, trouble followed in sixthcentury constantinople, one woman, theodora, defied every convention and all the odds and rose from common theater tart to empress of a great kingdom, the most powerful woman the roman empire would ever know. Empress theodora and the medieval origins of womens. Prior to this novel, i had encountered empress theodora in short, little blurbs in history textbooks and so i knew she was an actress who managed to catch the eye of a byzantine emperor. Where theodora went, trouble followed in sixthcentury constantinople, one woman, theodora, defied every convention and all the odds and rose from common theater tart to empress of a great kingdom, the most powerful woman the roman empire would ever know. In sixthcentury constantinople, one woman, theodora, defied every convention and all the odds and rose from common theater tart to empress of a great kingdom, the most powerful woman the roman empire would ever know. Other documents record her as a very beautiful and pious woman. It effectively captures the spirit of the times when what is left of the roman empire is a shadow of its former self. A novel of empress theodora by stephanie thornton the secret history. The secret history by stephanie thornton overdrive. A novel of empress theodora by stephanie thornton 20, paperback at the best online prices at ebay. Michelle diener, author of the emperors conspiracy if there is one book you choose to read on ancient times, let it be the secret history.
The secret history stephanie thornton the secret history. The woman whose image was later immortalized in glittering mosaic was a scrappy, clever. Jul 02, 20 the secret history by stephanie thornton tells a fictionalized account of the eventful life of empress theodora of byzantium. By purchasing books through this website, you support our nonprofit organization. The secret history by stephanie thornton tells a fictionalized account of the eventful life of empress theodora of byzantium. A novel of empress theodora by stephanie thornton where theodora went, trouble followed in sixth century constantinople, one woman, theodora, defied every convention and all the odds, and rose from being a common theater tart to become empress of a great kingdom, the most powerful woman the roman empire would ever know. The secret history is a truly remarkable book, told in the first person by a snarky voiced theodora. This novel, however, does a lot to flesh out that story and what must have been an amazing life. In sixthcentury constantinople, one woman, theodora, defied every convention and all the odds and rose from common theater tart to empress of a great.
The story is rich in detail and characterization and she expertly writes scenes that provoke an emotional reaction to. According to procopius secret history, written shortly after the death of the empress in the middle of the 6 th century a. Justin, justinian, and theodora from a secret history. A novel of empress theodora by stephanie thornton where theodora went, trouble followed in sixth century constantinople, one woman, theodora, defied every convention and all the. Where theodora went, trouble followedin sixth century consta. Theodora is a true byzantine icon, and her story is a timeless inspiration that needs to be heard. A novel of empress theodora is an outstanding novel. In sixthcentury constantinople, one woman, theodora, defied every convention and all the odds and rose from common theater tart to empress of a great kingdom, the most powerful. A novel of empress theodora free downloadclick here. Jan 26, 2018 despite being a powerful empress, there is relatively little trustworthy historical information available about theodora. The secret history a novel of empress theodora book. From the secret history by procopius having completed our portrait of justinian, let us turn now to theodora. Teodora imperatrice di bisanzio short, 1909 aka theodora, empress of byzantium.
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