Alexander: The Conqueror

by Laura Foreman

No individual has made his mark on the world more profoundly than Alexander the Great, the young man who, through war, diplomacy, and Machiavellian means, expanded his empire to include most of the known world--all before he died at age thirty-three. A remarkable man whose path crossed with some of the most influential people, places, and events of all time, Alexander began his combat training at age seven, studied philosophy with Aristotle at age thirteen, kept a copy of Homer's Iliad under his pillow until his death, and introduced Greek and oriental cultural influences throughout his vast empire. The Conqueror follows the progression of his conquests through the Near East and Central Asia to the Indus Valley, and introduces Alexander's family, the personalities of his generals, and the cultures of the lands he conquered. Author Laura Foreman examines the complex character of Alexander as student, friend, lover, military genius, and emperor, and explores the many unsolved mysteries surrounding his Who did Alexander turn to in passion and for comfort? Was Alexander a careful, amiable mastermind or a drunken brute? Could Alexander have been responsible for his father's murder?Gorgeous landscape photography, numerous images of ancient art and artifacts, and informative, beautifully crafted maps complement the narrative, offering a visual feast along with a lively, insightful narrative of Alexander's life of conquest and intrigue.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Biography, Biography Memoir, Greece

212 pages, Hardcover

First published August 16, 2004

About the author

Laura Foreman (June 11, 1943 – June 4, 2020) was an American journalist and author, and the first female political writer at The Philadelphia Inquirer. She was the first reporter who lost their job due to an affair, also effectively ending her journalism career.
Noting the harsh punishment in the case, critics saw a double standard, with different consequences for men and women. Her former colleague Lee Winfrey cited her attractiveness and success as a cause of resentment from male colleagues.

After the investigation, Foreman changed paths, and began work as a writer and editor at Time-Life Books. At the height of the position, she managed 20 people and freelanced for Discovery Publishing, authoring many books on subjects of True Crime, history, archaeology, biography, and more.

Reviews

[Larry Van Bibber · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent summary of the life of Alexander. It is a quick read loaded with pictures and graphics. It is historically correct but not an in depth history or biography. It is a good book for young readers to be introduced to a famous military genius and man of history. I plan to give this to my older grandkids.

[Jake Rutledge · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was very accurate in its history and retells the story of one of the greatest generals who ever lived as thoroughly as possible. Was very easy to read and had me interested and excited to read it from start to finish. I enjoyed how the book went into detail of the conditions he was raised in which helped to shape the man he became.

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good, engagingly written overview of Alexander's life and achievements. What it lacks in detail compared to other biographies it absolutely makes up for with its wealth of great pictures that make this a great addition to my collection of material on Alexander the Great.

[Vivencio · Rating 3 out of 5]

not as enlightening as enlightening as mary renault's 'the nature of alexander' but the pictures are great!

[Rangarajan Iyengar · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good read, especially the pictures and the story sections in between.

[Herb H · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very informative and a quick read.

[Eli Hinze · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review to come! :)