Alexander the Great

by Arthur Weigall

This book was first published in 1933. It is an attempt to see Alexander neither as a superhuman nor as a mindless adventurer. But as he comes out of the stories in his favour and against. The author sees no contradiction in the varying stories about Alexander. He says "these apparent contradictions can be reconciled, and indeed, are only to be expected in the case of so vital and spirited a young man who dies before his many-sided character had had time to settle down into a definite shape."

Genres: History, Biography

352 pages, Unknown Binding

First published January 1, 1933

About the author

Arthur Edward Pearse Brome Weigall was an Egyptologist, stage designer, and journalist participated in the discoveries of the tombs of Yuya and Tjuyu, Kha and Merit, and Horemheb. During World War I he became a successful set-designer for the London revue stage, which led in turn to film work and thence to a post as film critic for the Daily Mail.

Reviews

[Abigail Escobar · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Alejandro Magno; un guerrero, un hombre al que le gustaba combatir, que gozaba con la guerra... Alejandro, maestro de la psicología de masas"

Muy informativo, he disfrutado mi lectura aunque por momentos resulta pesada ya que la narración va en formato de enciclopedia, como amante de la cultura Romana he alucinado con cada suceso presentado y de como el hombre obsesionado con la Ilíada llego a ser tal conquistador.

[Petrus Josephus · Rating 5 out of 5]

Une biographie exceptionnelle. Un récit aussi haletant et passionnant que les aventures qu’il raconte. C’est le genre de livre qui rassasie la soif d’aventures épiques qu’ont les garçons comme moi. La description d’Alexandre le Grand qui y est faite comme un jeune homme énergique d’une insouciance juvénile à la limite de l’arrogance, pieusement conscient du monde invisible des dieux et de la plus haute vertu érige inévitablement le grand conquérant comme modèle à suivre. Je me suis personnellement reconnu au fil des pages dans les traits du Macédonien. Des traits non seulement physiques, puisqu’ayant moi-même les cheveux bouclés blonds et les yeux bleus, mais aussi et surtout caractériels et spirituels. Moi aussi, je le sais, je suis appelé par Dieu à quelque chose de grand, à mener les autres, à faire fructifier les talents dont le Ciel m’a fait don. Je suis fait de la même trempe qu’Alexandre le Grand et de ces grands personnages de l’Histoire. Ce n’est pas là une pensée orgueilleuse mais seulement une affirmation confiante de ma haute vocation; cette biographie m’ayant permis d’en être encore plus conscient.

[Harry James]

“How can I tell you what it was like to be young; to dream big dreams? And to believe when Alexander looked you in the eye you could do anything. In his presence, by the light of Apollo, we were better than ourselves. 'O Macedonians and Greeks,' he cried, 'stand firm! Glorious are the deeds of those who labour and live dangerously: it is delightful to pass through life gallantly and to die leaving behind immortal glory!’

…From time to time he was gloomily aware of the increasing isolation of his person, and was eager to come down to earth, so to speak, and be a man amongst men again, and not an enthroned god. It may well be supposed that he was lonely."

[Sylvie · Rating 3 out of 5]

A brief full life story - quite informative and interesting. I enjoyed it because I just love the incredible drive Alexander had to conquer the world. He had a fire inside him that killed him very young. It just leaves you wondering how will the world be today if he had lived longer. He was after all a great mind and a powerful spirit.

[Dimitra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice book, especially for the readers who love Alexander the Great as a historical character!
The story was based on his life in general and it was fun to read.
It didn't feel like reading history, but the story of an amazing character, and the writing was good too.

[Ricky Carrigan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another great biography by Arthur Weigall, one of the best writers of antiquity I’ve ever read. Great historical storytelling.

[Constantin Vasilescu · Rating 4 out of 5]

Serioasă și coerentă. Cum, de altfel, e atât de greu să scrii despre Megas Alexandros...