Synopses & Reviews
By the time of his death in 323 B.C., Alexander III of Macedonia had built an empire that stretched from the eastern Mediterranean coast through Asia Minor and into the Indus valley. Even before his sudden death, Alexander had achieved mythical status throughout his kingdom, and in the centuries that followed his life became the subject of countless chronicles and biographies.
N. G. L. Hammond, the foremost expert on ancient Macedonian history, here presents a new account of Alexander's fabled career. Based on a thorough analysis of the ancient sources and enriched by a lifetime of research, Hammond's narrative pronounces the Macedonian conqueror a man truly deserving of the title Alexander the Great.
According to Hammond, Alexander was a visionary statesman and general, the force behind a kingdom which rose above racism and nationalism to enjoy peace and prosperity. His intellect and charismatic personality, which earned him the respect, admiration, and devotion of his subjects, also help explain Alexander's endurance as a source of fascination into the present day.
Review
This is a classic study of one of history's great figures by the scholar who knows the most about him.
Publishers Weekly, starred review
Review
Amateur military historians will be especially fascinated by the detailed reconstruction of the conqueror's battles, sieges and marches.
Washington Post Book World
Review
The articulate fashion in which Hammond guides the reader through Alexander's life is outstanding.
Library Journal
Synopsis
The preeminent scholar of ancient Macedonia separates reliable fact from historical fiction to reveal the true intellect and charm that earned Alexander his epithet.
Synopsis
[A]n exciting book for the general reader.
Canadian Journal of History This is a classic study of one of history's great figures by the scholar who knows the most about him.
Publishers Weekly, starred review Amateur military historians will be especially fascinated by the detailed reconstruction of the conqueror's battles, sieges and marches.
Washington Post Book World [A] clearly written book, the distillation of a life's work.
Bernard Knox, Los Angeles Times Book Review The articulate fashion in which Hammond guides the reader through Alexander's life is outstanding.
Library Journal
About the Author
The late N. G. L. Hammond taught Greek at Bristol University and Clare College, Cambridge University. His many books include Alexander the Great: King, Commander, and Statesman and the three-volume A History of Macedonia.
Table of Contents
Contents
Preface
List of illustrations
Bibliography
1. The boyhood of Alexander
2. The world of Philip as king and Alexander as prince
3. The influence of Philip
4. Alexander establishes his position in Macedonia, Greece and the Balkans
5. Sources of information, a rising in Greece and preparations for Persia
6. The crossing of the Hellespont and the first victory
7. The winning of Asia Minor
8. The battle of Issus and the capture of the Mediterranean coast
9. Advance to the East and the battle of Gaugamela
10. Advance to Persepolis and the situation in Greece
11. The death of Darius and the decision to advance to the east
12. From Parthyaea to Kabul in Afghanistan
13. The advance to the river Jaxartes
14. The subjugation of the northeastern area in 328-327
15. The Indus valley
16. Southern Asia
17. The Kingdom of Asia and the Macedonians
18. The plans and personality of Alexander
Appendix of references to the author's studies
Notes on illustrations
Chronological table
Index
Illustrations
Figures
1 through 19
Plates
1 through 16