Alexander the Great

Tarn hits all the high points of Alexander's career, and manages to include many relevant details. Unfortunately, he struggles so mightily to keep his text brief that it becomes somewhat unclear at times. Tarn is actually at his best when he steps back from his narrative for a moment to make a more general observation; for example, when he remarks that ancient writers' adulation of Alexander's good treatment of Darius's kinswomen reflects not so much upon Alexander's kindliness but upon what he was expected to do...