Alexander the Great (Norton Library

by Ulrich Wilcken, Eugene N. Borza (Editor), G C. Richards (Translator)

Here is one of the great biographies of Alexander, in its original form, brought fully up to date with findings of modern research and criticism. The Norton edition of Ulrich Wilcken's distinguished biography has made available for almost three decades a classic study enhanced with a modern scholars notes, bibliography, and introduction to Alexander studies. Alexander the Great as an empire-conqueror continues to capture the imagination, but the spread of Greek civilization throughout the world was his greatest legacy. Wilcken's book captures Alexander's true achievements and influence.

Genres: History, Biography, Nonfiction, Greece

Paperback

First published November 1, 1967

About the author

German historian and papyrologist

Reviews

[Michael Finocchiaro · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a shorter account of Alexander the Great's life but also less interesting or insightful that that of Robin Lee Fox. I'd advise going with Robin instead. This one is rather dry and a resuscitation of facts rather than an exploration of the man behind the legend.

[Jw513 · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am not the type who can get through a massive, dry history, and so thankfully this kept the pace pretty quick and interesting. The book itself was only 325 pages. You can tell that the author had his biases, and sometimes it seems a bit heavy on hagiography. For better or worse, it doesn't read like academic history in 2016, whether because of its style or because of its fairly cavalier way of categorizing cultures. But I enjoyed it, and if you want a concise, noteworthy biography of Alexander the Great this is worth a read.

[Jesse · Rating 3 out of 5]

Excellent book that gives a concise overview of the rise and fall of the Macedonian empire. It dovetailed nicely with research on the Persian empire as it gives background into the conflict between the Greek city states, the Achaemenid empire, and the half barbarians in the north, the Macedonians. It is a little biased and Wilcken seems somewhat star struck with Alexander the Great, but it was worth reading.

[Coyle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent biography of Alexander the Great- which should be obvious given that it was written in early 1930s Germany (Nazis!) and is still in print today. Wilcken portrays Alexander as having two central characteristics: "longing" and "idealism." His "longing" was the ever increasing desire to see what's over the next hill. He was never content with what he had, and always wanted more (foreshadowings of Hitler? or just a Romantic soul at work?). His "idealism" was the vision of a unified state of mixed Macedonian and Iranian culture (no Hitler-esque racial purity there!).
Wilcken's writing style (or at least, the translator's) is clear and fluid, easy and enjoyable to read. The obvious major problem is that the scholarship is 80 years out of date, and this book is best read side-by-side with Robin Lane Fox's bio Alexander the Great or Peter Green's Alexander The Great And The Hellenistic Age.

[Shalini Jebasingh · Rating 5 out of 5]

To give his readers a peek into Alexander’s thinking, Wilcken’s ventured into the psychodynamic analysis of a leader decades before it became a part of leadership studies. Therefore, this well written book gives the reader a glimpse into Alexander’s character and his dreams. A reader might conclude that Alexander was compassionate because of the kindness he showed to the Greeks, Darius’s family and the Purava king. Yet, Alexander was quick to render punishment by death when there was revolt. Throughout his journey of conquest, Alexander was able to motivate his soldiers. But in India, he chooses to turn back at the insistence of his army. In this study of contrasts Wilcken’s gave a clear glimpse of a gifted and complex man.
Wilcken’s rightly began the book by giving a historical brief of that era. This gave context to Alexander’s conquests. Also, it helped the reader to understand Alexander’s childhood and its impact on building this great general. Wilcken’s has written an excellent book that allowed the reader to understand this great leader, Alexander.

[Jim Firestone · Rating 4 out of 5]

Skip the first and last chapters. He tries to cover way too much in those chapters and while they are relevant to the Alexander story they are not crucial.

The rest of the book is a compelling story of Alexander that covers what is known, suspected or unknown about his life. Although the book was written in 1930 it still reads vividly. Hopefully, not much has changed in our understanding since then.