Alexander the Great: Man, Myth or Monster?

by Jamila Gavin, David Parkins (Illustrator)

He wandered over earth and oceans, experiencing great suffering, but his bravery triumphed, and his many daring exploits were beyond compare.

At only twenty years of age and armed with a huge following, Alexander began a voyage that would carve a path for the exploration of lands greater than anyone had ever known. But his victories in the vast Persian Empire, and even the farthest reaches of India were also marred by loss and treachery on both sides. To some, Alexander was the devil... to others a modern leader... but to many, he was also the greatest of adventurers.

Jamila Gavin's retelling of the life, battles and imaginings of Alexander the Great, are beautifully interwoven amid Greek myths and legends. With bold illustration by David Parkins, as well as maps, chronology and a concise index; the epic story of Alexander the Great has been masterfully re-imagined for a new generation.

240 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2011

About the author

Jamila Gavin was born in Mussoorie, India, in the foothills of the Himalayas, to an Indian father and an English mother. Jamila has written many books with multicultural themes for children and young adults. She won the Whitbread Children’s Book Award in 2000 and was runner-up for the Guardian Children’s Fiction Prize. Her work has been adapted for stage and television. Jamila Gavin lives in England.

Reviews

[Jess Monnier · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very quick light read that intersperses stories of Alexander with myths from various cultures. The writing style left me very confused. I couldn't tell if it was supposed to be a children's book or something?

[Heidi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read this book for the second time, this time with my youngest son, as part of his Ancient Greece unit study. He enjoyed learning more about Alexander the Great, but the way this book was written, interspersing information about Alexander with myths and legends, was a bit confusing.

[Larry Van Bibber · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quick easy read but little depth.