Two great giveaways!

First, I have an extra copy of Peter Stothard’s new book, Alexandria:  The Last Nights of Cleopatra, his brilliant literary memoir centered on his lifelong fascination with Cleopatra.  He had made seven attempts to write a biography of Cleopatra, and on the eve of the Egyptian Spring went to Alexandria to finish the book.  It is part diary, part history, part travel, and part autobiography.  Stothard, who editor of the London Times for 10 years and is the editor of the TLS, has written a fascinating book that is far from a biography:  it is something much better.

You can read what I said about it here and here.

A friend rushed out with Barnes and Noble coupons today and gave me this as an early b-day present because of my interest in classics.  It is my favorite of the year so far.  You are very lucky if you win it.

I am also giving away Rhian Ellis’s After Life, a beautifully-written literary novel narrated by a medium who has murdered her boyfriend:  there is much about spiritualism, fakery, and messages from the dead.  This novel has been reissued in the Nancy Pearl “Book Lust Rediscoveries” series published by Amazon.  You can read what I said about it here.

The books are free, but if you “win” I would appreciate if you could reimburse me for postage in the form of stamps.  (Postage is usually $2-$3.)

Leave a comment if you would like either book or both.