cover image The Genius of Alexander the Great

The Genius of Alexander the Great

Nicholas G. Hammond. University of North Carolina Press, $29.95 (248pp) ISBN 978-0-8078-2350-7

Hammond (Philip of Macedon), the greatest living expert on ancient Macedonian history, now offers a brilliant account of the life of Alexander the Great, the Macedonian king who pacified Greece, destroyed the Persian Empire and brought Greek civilization to the Indus River and beyond. Drawing upon a lifetime of research into and understanding of his subject, Hammond has crafted a superb overview of Alexander's achievements prior to his unexpected death in 323 B.C. The narrative covers the entire span of Alexander's life. Designed for the general reader, the book contains no footnotes and only a brief bibliography for those interested in additional reading. Ancient writers portrayed Alexander both as a genius and as a lustful conqueror. To obtain the truth about Alexander's character, Hammond has included detailed analyses of these authors' work and their probable sources, as well as his own informed opinions about which views are more correct. Hammond concludes that Alexander was indeed ""great,"" overcoming Greek racism and nationalism to forge a cosmopolitan empire that might have enjoyed a long period of peace and prosperity had the king not died suddenly. Readers will delight in descriptions of Alexander's military engagements, diplomacy, humane treatment of conquered enemies (he appointed Persians as provincial governors, to the consternation of his generals and soldiers), his religious preferences and more. This is a classic study of one of history's great figures by the scholar who knows the most about him. BOMC and History Book Club selection. (Mar.)