Alexander The Great

Book Details

• Publisher: Simon & Schuster

• Author: Philip Freeman

• Language: English

• Pages: 416

• ISBN: 9781416592815

About the Book
Alexander the Great by Philip Freeman presents the first authoritative, highly accessible biography of the legendary Macedonian conqueror written for a general audience in a generation. Freeman, a renowned classicist and historian, vividly narrates the extraordinary life of a ruler whose influence reshaped the ancient world.

Alexander—crowned at nineteen and dead by thirty-two—transformed history with unmatched military genius. His strategies were studied by leaders from Hannibal to Napoleon, and his empire extended across Persia, Egypt, Afghanistan, and into India. Tutored by Aristotle, Alexander possessed a curious mind that helped him navigate the complex political and geographic challenges of his vast campaigns.

This biography explores Alexander’s life from his Macedonian upbringing to his relentless conquests, his ambitions, his psychological complexity, and his lasting cultural impact. Freeman examines both the brilliance and contradictions of Alexander—his moments of generosity alongside his acts of cruelty, his impulsiveness alongside his long-term vision, and his fierce competitiveness that drove him to reshape the known world.

Alexander’s rapid rise and equally swift downfall set the stage for successor dynasties such as the Ptolemies of Egypt. His conquests spread Greek language and culture across western Asia, creating a world where Hellenistic influence remained dominant long after his death. Through vivid storytelling and rigorous research, Freeman offers a detailed portrait of one of history’s most fascinating and influential figures.