Really interesting book. Scholarly, but not written exclusively for scholars.

I thoroughly enjoyed it. A good resource for both historians and the average layperson, with an interest for history.

Highly recommended.

The author seeks to write a more historically correct account of the life and death of Alexander the Great and the wars of succession that followed his death. The author completed ten years of extensive research piecing together a more true story than the one we have previously been told through literature, forgeries and biased historians. The book is not necessarily for the casual reader looking for an entertaining story but better suited to the academic or history buff who is specifically interested in the topic. It is obvious that the author is well versed in his subject and able to communicate his thoughts in a readable manner. There is a wealth of information with a bibliography of sources that proves the authors passion and diligence in his presentation.

4 stars

The book description states that this is book “entertaining and engaging style that opens the subject to both scholars and the casual reader of history looking to learn more about the Macedonian king.” Not so very much I’d say. While it is very well written, I would not say that this literate and erudite work is for the casual reader of history. It is pretty dense, not as bad as some I’ve read certainly, but also not easily accessible.

The research that went into this book is both exhausting and deep. The author examines the various theories, stories and legends that make up the “history” of Alexander the Great. While he died at only thirty-three years of age, his reputation and history generated hundreds of thousands of pages of “research.” (I put that in quotes because some of the research was not exactly scientific or accurate.) And the cover of the book is absolutely gorgeous.

I want to thank Netgalley and Troubador Publishing Limited/Matador for forwarding to me a copy of this fine work of scholarship to me to read.