An Elizabeth Taylor lookalike poses on the cover of this book--not inappropriately, as Joseph L. Mankiewicz loosely based his 1963 movie version of Cleopatra on this novel. However, at the time this paperback edition was published the movie was still in production--running grossly over-budget and mired in production problems.TEMPTRESS!'A gift, Great Caesar,' the big man said, prostrating himself, 'from a devoted admirer.''H'm,' Caesar murmured, fingering his chin. 'You can't mean Ptolemy...!''Judge for yourself, Master,' Appollodras invited, and unrolled the carpet; out of it sprang to her feet the little Cleopatra, apparently as fresh as a daisy and as bright as a newly minted coin. She stretched her slim, shapely arms above her lovely head, arched her perfect back so that her perfect young body stood out deliciously under the translucent gown, and smiled provocatively at the mighty Caesar.
Sadly, anyone expecting "wantonness" in this version of Cleopatra's story (as promised by the cover blurb on the paperback) will be disappointed. The titillation value of this book is low, even by the standards of the early 1960s. You might pick up some history, however, as the main characters spend a lot of time playing politics, 1st Century BC style.