The Genius of Alexander the Great — N.G.L. Hammond

In what respects was Alexander 'Great'? It is an exciting task forthe historian to answer that question, and in this fascinating study Nicholas Hammondundertakes it with enthusiasm. His thorough acquaintance with theancient sources enables him to judge whether the many recordedincidents of Alexander's brilliant life are drawn from reliablecontemporaries or fictional writers.As a commander of men ofmany races, Alexander was and is incomparable. As a statesman heenvisaged, and to some extent created, an ecumenical kingdom which roseabove race and nation and which enjoyed peace and prosperity, extendingfrom his birthplace in Macedonia to the borders of Kashmir. Hisintellect and charismatic personality so fascinated those he conqueredthat they served in his army and administration and adopted him as thehero of their quasi-mythical romances. We have much to learn today fromthis genius of a man who died having achieved so much at the age ofthirty-two.