La Alexíada

The Alexíada is one of the great jewels of world literature written around 1148 by the first great woman historian, Ana Comnena (1083-1153). The play recounts the epic political career and turbulent campaigns of her father, Emperor Alexios I Komnenos, and is one of the main sources of information on the First Crusade and the institution of medieval chivalry. Narrated in a direct and elegant style that would inspire Sir Walter Scott, the author presents us with a vivid and dramatic portrait of the military and political adventures of the Byzantine Empire during the 11th and 12th centuries that continues to fascinate today. A captivating story packed with power, intrigues, assassinations, courtly conspiracies, and heresies.