I bought this book over twenty years ago. On a whim, From a secondhand bookshop. I read it and then parked it…one book amongst many.

Then three or so years ago Serious Research began on my next magnificent, blockbusting novel Ravens of Dinefwr (OK. Stop laughing. A girl can dream!)

My story includes Robert Curthose, son of William the Bastard/Conqueror, who went on the FIRST CRUSADE. 1096. Aha. So, master researcher that I am, I know the Alexiad is a “first-hand” account all about this crusade. So I study hard and take zillions of notes. And think that I’m being rather clever.

Get to the point, Greta.

The point I am making is – I FELL FOR IT ALL. I believed every word.

Now –My EGO is devastated. Sore. A mahoosive wounded thing.

The Alexiad of Anna Comnena, this soooo revered piece of feminine literature, is a crock of BS, Fake as a fake thing from Fake Town.

Anna Comnena was instrumental in a plot to overthrow her brothers, John II and Isaac. And by extension, Isaac’s son Andronicus.

Even Niketas Chionates, 12th century Byzantine writer admits this.