Alexander The Great: Selections From Arrian, Diodorus, Plutarch, And Quintus Curtius

```````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````So much has been said, both good and bad, about this highly successful and highly driven general. In reality, it is quite amazing that he still raises such controversy. His father, also a powerful figure, does not seem to have reached the level of interest as has Alexander. Charlemagne--whose reign also impacted European history in a powerful way--I wonder if he has inspired such interest? Romm's contribution has been to combine the works of the main ancient biographers of Alexander and to put their words together in an effort to "harmonize" or to make a continuous story, from beginning to end, of the career of Alexander. I came to the study of Alexander because of my study of the biblical Book of Daniel, among which one of the "prophecies" of chapter 11 was said to refer to Alexander. In fact, I could not find a commentator on Daniel--no matter what else his belief or disbelief in Daniel or religious commitments--who said that that verse applied to anyone else. So it seemed that, to understand this part of the Bible, it would be fit to understand the history it references. And, just as, in biblical study, I like to consult different sources and to consider the arguments and the cultural and historical backdrop to what was written--so I want to do the same with the study of Alexander. Give me the sources, the originals. I do understand that most of these fellows--Arrian, Plutarch, etc--wrote 300 or 400 years after Alexander, though using often the works of those who lived closer to the time period. I have all of this in mind as I read, and am aware that this compares differently to the timespan between event and record that exists with some biblical books, like the New Testament books and letters, which were written down in the lifetimes of most of those who knew Jesus of Nazareth. In the future, I may want to read "all" of Arrian, as I have already read all of Plutarch (elsewhere), and will soon read Curtius/ version. It will be interesting to compare and contrast the accounts where possible. This book, edited by Romm, is just one step on my journey.

This author takes a different view of Alexander than most. Often scholars (armchair or professional) idolize this man with a romantic notion that fails to deliver. This book speaks of the psychological deficits and excesses of Alexander as a man, king and warrior. A stunning portrayal.

I’m obsessed with history, this book is intriguing enough to keep on reading

This compelation of exerpts from all the major ancient sources that realte to Alexander the Great is a good source if you require a compact straight forward document on Alexander's highlights. Although it doesn't replace the full editions of the books it quotes from, it is a very handy - and inexpensive - source book that can be very handy if you don't want to wade through reams of pages of evidence. It can also give you an idea of a starting point to look at in the full editions.

Excellent explanation of the sources used and cross-check of information between different sources. Allows for an objective view of the available sources and each reader can make their individual opinion.

Great secondary source book on Alexander the Great. had to purchase this book for a class on Alexander and found it a good source book on him by as close a reference as one can find

I had to buy it for one of my classes and I truly enjoyed reading it!

It's a book for class

Perfect