Wall, N.J. The life of a vilified, misunderstood woman is recounted in a refreshing new light in "I, Livia: The Counterfeit Criminal: The Life Story of a Much Maligned Woman" (published by Trafford Publishing), a corrective historical biography by Mary Mudd. Livia, the third and much beloved wife of Caesar Augustus, was popularized in Robert Graves' 1934 novel "I, Claudius." The book portrayed Livia as a scheming, malicious murderer. According to Mudd, not only was Livia innocent of the crimes imputed to her; she was an independent-thinking feminist far ahead of her time. Mother to Emperor Tiberius, the son she bore from a previous marriage to Tiberius Claudius Nero, popular but erroneous tradition has long claimed that Livia maintained complete control over the Augustus family and would stop at nothing to ensure that her son would assume power one day. With the publication of "I, Livia," Mudd comes forth to set the record straight about this misunderstood historical figure. Livia's role in Roman public life is portrayed as that of as an extraordinarily visible, dynamic and influential political female in a culture which cast women in exclusive roles of childrearing and other domestic endeavors. Livia's criminal reputation is explained and reasons are given for its development and longevity. Mudd deftly reveals fascinating details about Livia's personal life; her habits, tastes, easygoing attitude and self-deprecating sense of humor. She is also described as a loving, supportive wife and mother, an intellectual with profound political insights and opinions, an enthusiastic traveler and art aficionado. Although usually patient and demure, Mudd readily admits that Livia could also be "impulsive, assertive, opinionated and, especially in later life, petulant." Final chapters describe how Livia became, and remained, a symbol of Roman imperial power. A brief epilogue describes the physical appearances of Livia and other members of her family. Appendices, a comprehensive bibliography and color images of surviving wall paintings from Livia's homes combine to result in this unprecedented biography that will appeal to those interested in Roman history or notable women in general. Learn who Livia really was in this revelatory book. About the Author Mary Mudd, PhD, CPCS, CPMSM, is a medical practitioner credentialing specialist by profession who pursues the study of Roman and Byzantine history for an avocation. She has also authored "Studies in the Reign of Constantius II" and is currently at work on a novel about Livia's son, the Emperor Tiberius. A resident of the New Jersey Shore, Mudd enjoys classic rock music, theater, ballet, the ocean, good friends, and Tiberius her black tomcat. Trafford Publishing, an Author Solutions, Inc. author services imprint, was the first publisher in the world to offer an "on-demand publishing service," and has led the independent publishing revolution since its establishment in 1995. Trafford was also one of the earliest publishers to utilize the Internet for selling books. More than 10,000 authors from over 120 countries have utilized Trafford's experience for self publishing their books. For more information about Trafford Publishing, or to publish your book today, call 1-888-232-4444 or visit trafford.com.
