Thais of Athens

Ivan Efremov (1908-1972) is known not only as an outstanding science fiction writer but also as a creator of historical novels. The novel "Thais of Athens" immerses readers in the era of antiquity, accurately describing the religious cults and everyday... details of that time, skillfully portraying society's fascination with art and poetry. The narrative centers on the burning of Persepolis — one of the capitals of the Persian Empire. Real historical characters come to life on the pages of the book — Thais, the Athenian hetaera and companion of kings and generals, the naval commander Nearchus, the king of Egypt Ptolemy, and of course, the most enigmatic figure of ancient history — Alexander the Great. "Thais of Athens" is not just a novel about a beautiful woman; it is a novel about harmony within a person. Journeys, romantic entanglements, and the spiritual anguish of the characters intertwine with the author's philosophical and aesthetic reflections.