The Nature of Alexander

There are authors and historians who are readily attached to a figure of historical value because of their insight into the character, such is the case of Mary Renault and Alexander The Great. No modern author, not even Robin Lane Fox, is so famously mentioned when discussing the written works surrounding the life and times of the greatest conqueror ever to invade a foreign soil. Renault is mostly recognized for her fictional... Read Full Review

Mary Renault is best known for her historical fiction, and she is clearly fascinated by Alexander, who was without a doubt the most towering figure of ancient times. Renault scrupulously researched the texts as background for her novels, and the same scholarship is evident in this excellent bio. Starting with the legends that grew up around him in his own lifetime and continue down to this day, Renault explores Alexander... Read Full Review

Reading this biography one is confronted by something more than the facts. One is confronted by a presence. Other accounts of Alexander are fixated on the size of his deeds, the length of his march etc. Here we met the man. When I finished this book and placed it down I could still feel a certain warmth. Renault begins with THE NATURE OF ALEXANDER and one gets to see his life as just that- his own existence. She lets him... Read Full Review

In her study of the nature of Alexander the Great, clearly the greatest of generals and conquerors, Mary Renault has contributed a much-needed chapter to the study of the man. Most biographies simply focus on his achievements, while "The Nature of Alexander" has eschewed those facts, largely, to tell of his "nature," what made him do what he did, referring to pitched battles and skirmishes in only the most necessary detail... Read Full Review

How does one begin to understand the nature of one of the most famous figures in world history? What is the reason for the enduring fame of this western conquerer in Asia and the rest of the world? Who is Alexander The Great? Read Mary Renault's The Nature Of Alexander. Mary Renault does more to explain Alexander and the reasons for what he did in her book than all the scholars in their academic works. And she does it very... Read Full Review