A novel of empress theodora by stephanie thornton synopsis. A novel of empress theodora ebook written by stephanie thornton. A novel of empress theodora is an outstanding novel. 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 was the wife of the emperor justinian. The secret history book king county library system. 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.
Empress theodora and the medieval origins of womens. Character appearance what sort of people were justinian and theodora. According to procopius secret history, written shortly after the death of the empress in the middle of the 6 th century a. The main source of information on theodoras life comes from a manuscript called the wars of justinian, written by procopius, an historian, who. Traces the early life of theodora, who, in sixth century constantinople, defied every convention and rose from a common theater tart to. A historical novel, about theodora s years up until she became empress.
A secret history a story of desperation and redemption. Burtons awardwinning novel, far away bird, which details theodora s early life, is available in paperback and on audiobook. Justin, justinian, and theodora from a secret history. The woman whose image was later immortalized in glittering mosaic was a scrappy, clever. The secret history is a dense, detailed, atmospheric, and just an endlessly fascinating look at one of history s forgotten women. Justin, justinian, and theodora from a secret history by.
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. 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 secret history by stephanie thornton overdrive. Where theodora went, trouble followed in sixthcentury constantinople, one woman, theodora, defied every convention and all the odds and rose from common theater. In sixthcentury constantinople, one woman, theodora, defied every convention and all the odds and rose from common theater tart to empress of a. A novel of empress theodora is not only one to house on your personal shelves permanently, but. The story is rich in detail and characterization and she expertly writes scenes that provoke an emotional reaction to. Along the way the author has created enough twists and turns to keep you guessing who did what when. Historical novel society thorntons wellconceived and engrossing tale exalts a historical figure of. A novel of empress theodora free downloadclick here. Normally, i dont love historical fiction because the inaccuracy of it grates on me. Her father was said to be a bear trainer in the byzantine capital, constantinople.
In sixthcentury constantinople, one woman, theodora, defied every convention and all the odds and rose from common theater tart to empress of a great. In sixth century constantinople there is a woman who will. 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. Jul 02, 20 the secret history by stephanie thornton tells a fictionalized account of the eventful life of empress theodora of byzantium. Before there was a legendary empress, there was a conflicted young woman from the lower classes.
A novel of empress theodora stephanie thorntons theodora is tough and intelligent, spitting defiance against the cruel world of the byzantine empire. Her intelligence and political acumen made her justinians most trusted adviser and enabled her to use the power and influence of. In sixthcentury constantinople, one woman, theodora, defied every convention and all the odds and rose from, isbn 9780451417787 buy the the secret history. A novel of empress theodora by stephanie thornton the secret history. The secret history quotes showing of 3 you never know what you can achieve so long as you never stop trying. The secret history is a dense, detailed, atmospheric, and just an endlessly fascinating look at one of historys forgotten women. The secret history a novel of empress theodora book. The secret history is a truly remarkable book, told in the first person by a snarky voiced theodora. Where theodora went, trouble followed in sixthcentury constantinople, one woman, theodora, defied every convention and all the odds and rose. A novel of empress theodora by stephanie thornton 20, paperback at the best online prices at ebay. Download for offline reading, highlight, bookmark or take notes while you read the secret history. A historical novel, about theodora s years as empress.
Author stephanie thornton does not disappoint as her book the secret history. The crimes of theodora from a secret history by procopius. Her mind was firmly and perpetually fixed upon inhumanity. The classic rags to riches story is made richer still by theodora s achievements in power. When justin died and justinian became emperor in 527, theodorafromthebrothel was empress of rome. A novel of empress theodora, the secret history, stephanie thornton, berkley. The secret history stephanie thornton the secret history. The secret history by stephanie thornton tells a fictionalized account of the eventful life of empress theodora of byzantium. Other documents record her as a very beautiful and pious woman. In sixth century constantinople, one woman, theodora, defied every. This acclaimed book by stephanie thornton is available at in several formats for your ereader. Ill warn of spoilers, though the protagonist is a historical figure, so pretty much any research into her would result in spoilers too. The secret history a novel of empress theodora epub. Nov 26, 2014 empress theodora was the wife of the emperor justinian.
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. 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. Theodora is a true byzantine icon, and her story is a timeless inspiration that needs to be heard. 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. If there is one book you choose to read on ancient times, let it be the secret history. Where theodora went, trouble followedin sixth century consta. From the secret history by procopius having completed our portrait of justinian, let us turn now to theodora.
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 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. Stephanie thornton writes a remarkable first novel that brings a little known woman to full. 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. The woman whose image was later immortalized in glittering mosaic was a scrappy, clever, conniving, fleshand. A novel of empress theodora by stephanie thornton 20, paperback at the best online prices at. This novel, however, does a lot to flesh out that story and what must have been an amazing life.
History remembers theodora as an empress who fought for women rights and passed laws to prohibit the trafficking of young girls. No one ever once persuaded her or forced her to do anything. The exotic flavor of the east is resonating and glowing off every page of this novel. This acclaimed book by stephanie thornton is available at in several formats for. Please join stephanie thornton as she tours virtually for the secret history. 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. Stephanie thorntons novel of empress theodora brought to mind the story of eva peron. The secret history audiobook by stephanie marie thornton. 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. It effectively captures the spirit of the times when what is left of the roman empire is a shadow of its former self. 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. A novel of empress theodora by stephanie thornton july 18, 20 july 17, 20 the lit bitch the exotic flavor of the east is. 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.
A novel of empress theodora by stephanie thornton where theodora went, trouble followed. The secret history by stephanie thornton overdrive rakuten. Jan 26, 2018 despite being a powerful empress, there is relatively little trustworthy historical information available about theodora. Teodora imperatrice di bisanzio short, 1909 aka theodora, empress of byzantium. Jun 10, 2010 when justin died and justinian became emperor in 527, theodora from the brothel was empress of rome.
By purchasing books through this website, you support our nonprofit organization. Christianity is on the rise and paganism in retreat. Ancient history encyclopedia receives a small commission for. The woman whose image was later immortalized in glittering mosaic was a scrappy, clever, conniving, fleshandblood woman full of. 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. The author tells of the rise of a poor girl to empress theodora.
1420 600 177 483 564 76 1439 248 567 1325 853 385 1443 1386 305 929 251 2 1241 1449 1351 112 4 306 1090 377 550 1354 1176 1241 65 332 621 1130 1478 987 73 1308 1227 1061 477 328 100 22 140 941 1185