Alexander the Great

This is a smoothly done work. The author, a product of the older German school of history, has been expertly translated here. This book reads easily, and the reader quickly gets swept up into the interesting and insightful text. This a fairly straight-forward bio of Alexander. Those wanting to know his sexual escapades should consult more modern works. Here such is only hinted at. The main stength of this book seems to be its comparative analysis. The author shows how Alexander evolved in his strategy of conquest. He is also skillful at showing how he managed his various titles as ruler, being Hegemon to the Greeks, and Divine King to the Asiatics. There is limited discussion of the great battles of Alexander, although reference is made to the Oblique Order which he developed from Epamiadas of Thebes. The early chapter concerning Philip also sheds light on his accomplishments and how they would influence his son. The concluding chapters discuss the legacy of Alexander. Useful reference is made to how Caeser planned to model his three year campaign of conquest on Alexander in the East before he was assassinated. Tthe legacy of Alexander with the Romans is also interesting. There is also a good deal of how the Diodachi Succession wars developed, and how these various rulers spread Hellanism throughtout their empires. Alexander can be seen on many different levels. He is many things to different people. Here we find a pretty unbiased account, which is on the whole favorable toward his accomplishments and deeds. Readers more familar with recent bios may wish to consult this work to get a clear, concise and uncluttered account.

A very good start for the college student who is interested in learning more than myths about Alexander and the world he was born into. Not a psychological portrait but straight history, in the old style [it was first published in 1931]. It should be balanced with other works if one wants a full portrait of Alexander. It can be dense at times but it's rewarding.

I have read a number of books on Alexander the Great and finally decided to read Wilcken's biography on Alexander since it is cited in so many other works. While the book covers all the high points and is generally favorable in its treatment and view of Alexander, it fails to give any real detail about the man, his life or his military exploits. If you know little of Alexander you will find the highpoints here. If you are looking for something new, the only information that I had not seen before was the author's speculation about Alexander's future plans; and the author's discussion of the legacy of Alexander. There is an interesting discussion in the introduction about earlier Alexander biographies.