Discoveries Alexander the Great

Rating:
Summary: Interesting -- if slightly complicated -- biography
Review: Filled with great photographs of ancient art and artifacts, "Alexander the Great: Man of Action, Man of Spirit" is a colorful biography of one of the most important figures of the classical world. Briant (translator: Leggatt), an historian specializing in this era, provides extensive background not only to Alexander's life, but to the social and political climate as well. In fact, some of the background is almost TOO extensive, and in my opinion dilutes parts of the biography. We are taken through Alexander's assumption of the Macedonian throne, his early conquests in Near Asia, his victories over Darius, and his extension of the Macedonian/Greek empire into India. Much emphasis is given to Alexander's adoption of Persian custom; since this is Briant's specialty, sometimes this supersedes all else and becomes a little redundant. Although the artwork and maps are wonderful, the layout of the book leaves something to be desired; near the end of the first part of the book, it took me forever to find the map illustrating the conquest of India -- it was so far back in the chapter, it wasn't useful. One of the elements I did enjoy was the collection of ancient commentaries/history on Alexander, occuring at the end of the main part of the book. Although the details and maps on one particular battle did nothing for me, the historical accounts of later generations, and the idolization of Alexander by not only the Greeks and Romans, but Muslims and Indians as well was fascinating. I also thought the demonization of Alexander by some segments of the Catholic Church in the Middle Ages (naming him the Antichrist) was very interesting. I think that this is a good introduction to the subject, as long as you tolerate some of the repetitiveness and digressions. Unfortunately, since there is so much fantasy about Alexander, we still don't know who he really was, a problem since his death centuries ago.

Rating:
Summary: Interesting -- if slightly complicated -- biography
Review: Filled with great photographs of ancient art and artifacts, "Alexander the Great: Man of Action, Man of Spirit" is a colorful biography of one of the most important figures of the classical world. Briant (translator: Leggatt), an historian specializing in this era, provides extensive background not only to Alexander's life, but to the social and political climate as well. In fact, some of the background is almost TOO extensive, and in my opinion dilutes parts of the biography. We are taken through Alexander's assumption of the Macedonian throne, his early conquests in Near Asia, his victories over Darius, and his extension of the Macedonian/Greek empire into India. Much emphasis is given to Alexander's adoption of Persian custom; since this is Briant's specialty, sometimes this supersedes all else and becomes a little redundant. Although the artwork and maps are wonderful, the layout of the book leaves something to be desired; near the end of the first part of the book, it took me forever to find the map illustrating the conquest of India -- it was so far back in the chapter, it wasn't useful. One of the elements I did enjoy was the collection of ancient commentaries/history on Alexander, occuring at the end of the main part of the book. Although the details and maps on one particular battle did nothing for me, the historical accounts of later generations, and the idolization of Alexander by not only the Greeks and Romans, but Muslims and Indians as well was fascinating. I also thought the demonization of Alexander by some segments of the Catholic Church in the Middle Ages (naming him the Antichrist) was very interesting. I think that this is a good introduction to the subject, as long as you tolerate some of the repetitiveness and digressions. Unfortunately, since there is so much fantasy about Alexander, we still don't know who he really was, a problem since his death centuries ago.

Rating:
Summary: pleasant
Review: For a brief overview of Alexander's life, this is one of the most enjoyable books one could buy. Briant quotes various authors; the reader is encouraged to draw his/her own conclusions. And the huge bonus is the pictures. It is probably the most colourful, best illustrated little book on Alexander that's around. Even if you are thoroughly familiar with Alexander's history, it is a delight to marvel at paintings by LeBrun, Bazzi et al.

Rating:
Summary: Beautiful book
Review: This book is a good read and has very beautiful illustrations and pictures of actual artifacts. It's not a very long book or too detailed but it's well worth the money. I highly recommend it to anyone.

Rating:
Summary: Beautiful book
Review: This book is a good read and has very beautiful illustrations and pictures of actual artifacts. It's not a very long book or too detailed but it's well worth the money. I highly recommend it to anyone.