BOOK BRIEF

The Secret History

Procopius
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The Secret History

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 1966

Book Brief

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Procopius

The Secret History

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 1966
Book Details
Pages

205

Format

Book • Nonfiction

Setting

Byzantine Empire • 6th Century

Publication Year

1966

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

The Secret History by Procopius offers a critical account of Emperor Justinian and Empress Theodora's reign in the Byzantine Empire. The text reveals alleged corruption, intrigue, and scandals within the imperial court, portraying the rulers and their associates in a negative light and differing significantly from Procopius's other historical works.

Informative

Mysterious

Unnerving

Dark

Contemplative

Reviews & Readership

4.0

3,288 ratings

65%

Loved it

27%

Mixed feelings

9%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Procopius's The Secret History intrigues with its candid portrayal of Byzantine court life, offering vivid character sketches and sharp critiques, especially of Emperor Justinian. While its anecdotal style captivates, some reviewers note excessive bias and unverified claims, questioning its reliability as a historical source. Overall, it's a fascinating supplementary text for Byzantine studies.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Secret History?

A reader intrigued by political intrigue, historical scandal, and Byzantine Empire critiques would enjoy The Secret History by Procopius. Fans of The Prince by Machiavelli or The Twelve Caesars by Suetonius would find it compelling.

4.0

3,288 ratings

65%

Loved it

27%

Mixed feelings

9%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

205

Format

Book • Nonfiction

Setting

Byzantine Empire • 6th Century

Publication Year

1966

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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