Perspective

The Alexiad is the story of Alexius I Comnena's tenure as Emperor of the Byzantine Empire. It covers the events from his ascension all the way until his death. Initially, the events that transpired within his rule were recorded and organized by Alexius's son-in-law Caesar Nicephorus Bryennius, who was married to Alexius's daughter, Anna Comnena. When he dies, Anna Comnena takes over authorship of the book.

Anna Comnena was perhaps the most educated woman in the world during her day. She lives from 1083 to 1153 A.D. and was widely known as a scholar. As Alexius's oldest child, she had the opportunity to study Greek philosophy, history, math, science and even erotic poetry behind her parents' back. At age 55 Anna took up writing the Alexiad, turning Caesar's records and notes into a narrative which also included her own records and memories.

Anna maintains over and over again that she...