Alexander: The Conqueror: The Epic Story of the Young Warrior King

From Publishers Weekly
Alexander the Great studied philosophy with Aristotle, became king when he was 20, defeated the undefeatable Persian empire five years later and, by the time of his death at age 32, had explored and claimed "the boundaries of the known world." Perhaps history’s most powerful and revered military leader, the Macedonian king receives more royal praise in this new biography by Foreman (Cleopatra’s Palace and Napoleon’s Lost Fleet). Given that existing historical sources on Alexander come several hundred years after his death, and that there is "poor evidence documenting" Alexander’s life, Foreman reasonably extrapolates on the available facts. She begins with the political upheaval and omens surrounding his birth, the rivalries and alliances within his family and his precocious boyhood, during which he cultivated a love affair with Homer’s Iliad as well as with the "sword, javelin and bow." In his ensuing years, Alexander is portrayed as being prone to bouts of aloofness, drunkenness and murderous vengeance; at the same time, he displays more superhuman behavior, manhandling the Oracle at Delphi and slashing the Gordian Knot ("What difference does it make how I loose it?"). Yet the bulk of the text is devoted to what the conqueror did best—conquering. Foreman’s well-written narrative follows Alexander’s trek through the Near East and Central Asia, giving the reader a play-by-play account of his battles, victories, strategies and military brilliance. Generously interspersed with impressive color photos of maps, art and ancient artifacts, the book is a fun read for those who aren’t bent upon serious scholarship.Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.


From School Library Journal
Adult/High School–A lively, engrossing account of the life of one of the world's greatest military commanders. Well over half of the book is devoted to photographs and drawings. Breathtaking views of Greek and Middle Eastern landscapes are interspersed with photographs of artifacts. Macedonian arms and armor, Greek pottery fragments, and Persian luxuries are highlighted. Large maps show Alexander's marches and campaigns. Alexander was celebrated for his looks, and Foreman has included many representations of him throughout the centuries. Classical marble statues were followed by medieval woodcuts and stained glass, epic Renaissance paintings, and 19th-century engravings. The book begins with a brief account of the life of Alexander's father, Philip of Macedon, and an overview of the relations among Macedon, the Greek city states, and the Persian Empire. Little information about Alexander survived from his own time. Written accounts of him first appeared 300 years later, based on sources that have been lost. Foreman provides evocative details of Alexander's life at court and on campaign, but constantly reminds readers how much speculation is involved. His transformation from the companionable Macedonian king to the Asian lord contemplating his own divinity is covered well. References to his sexuality are brief and nonjudgmental. The legends that surrounded him are described, accompanied by remarks about their sources. This biography would be appropriate for reports or to introduce readers to one of history's most fascinating rulers.–Kathy Tewell, Chantilly Regional Library, VA


Library Journal
"Crisply written, this polished history succeeds on several levels."


Booklist
"Transports readers back to the age of the sail."


USA TODAY
"A lucid, concise account."


Lovin' Life News December 2004
"Excellent research...Through flowing prose, maps, photos, art, and artifacts, you'll examine the life of a controversial, great legend."


Tiles Literary Supplement 10/8/04
"A beautiful picture book...a handsome volume, elegantly produced and modestly priced."


Boston Globe 12/12/04
"A generously illustrated introduction to Alexander's life and times...written in a sprightly, reader-friendly style."


Book Description
No individual has made his mark on the world more profoundly than Alexander the Great, the young man who, through war, diplomacy, and Machiavellian means, expanded his empire to include most of the known world--all before he died at age thirty-three. A remarkable man whose path crossed with some of the most influential people, places, and events of all time, Alexander began his combat training at age seven, studied philosophy with Aristotle at age thirteen, kept a copy of Homer's Iliad under his pillow until his death, and introduced Greek and oriental cultural influences throughout his vast empire. Alexander: The Conqueror follows the progression of his conquests through the Near East and Central Asia to the Indus Valley, and introduces Alexander's family, the personalities of his generals, and the cultures of the lands he conquered. Author Laura Foreman examines the complex character of Alexander as student, friend, lover, military genius, and emperor, and explores the many unsolved mysteries surrounding his life: Who did Alexander turn to in passion and for comfort? Was Alexander a careful, amiable mastermind or a drunken brute? Could Alexander have been responsible for his father's murder? Gorgeous landscape photography, numerous images of ancient art and artifacts, and informative, beautifully crafted maps complement the narrative, offering a visual feast along with a lively, insightful narrative of Alexander's life of conquest and intrigue.


About the Author
Laura Foremanis the author and editor of more than forty books, including the acclaimed Cleopatra's Palace and Napoleon's Lost Fleet. She has worked successively as a reporter, feature writer, and editor for the AP and UPI, the New York Times, and the Philadelphia Inquirer. Eugene N. Borza, Ph.D., is an internationally recognized expert on Alexander and Macedonian history and the author of numerous books and scholarly articles. Currently he is Professor Emeritus in Ancient History at Pennsylvania State University.


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Adult/High School-A lively, engrossing account of the life of one of the world's greatest military commanders. Well over half of the book is devoted to photographs and drawings. Breathtaking views of Greek and Middle Eastern landscapes are interspersed with photographs of artifacts. Macedonian arms and armor, Greek pottery fragments, and Persian luxuries are highlighted. Large maps show Alexander's marches and campaigns. Alexander was celebrated for his looks, and Foreman has included many representations of him throughout the centuries. Classical marble statues were followed by medieval woodcuts and stained glass, epic Renaissance paintings, and 19th-century engravings. The book begins with a brief account of the life of Alexander's father, Philip of Macedon, and an overview of the relations among Macedon, the Greek city states, and the Persian Empire. Little information about Alexander survived from his own time. Written accounts of him first appeared 300 years later, based on sources that have been lost. Foreman provides evocative details of Alexander's life at court and on campaign, but constantly reminds readers how much speculation is involved. His transformation from the companionable Macedonian king to the Asian lord contemplating his own divinity is covered well. References to his sexuality are brief and nonjudgmental. The legends that surrounded him are described, accompanied by remarks about their sources. This biography would be appropriate for reports or to introduce readers to one of history's most fascinating rulers.-Kathy Tewell, Chantilly Regional Library, VA Copyright 2005 Reed Business Information.


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