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Alexander: God, King, Man
Not yet published
Expected 29 Sep 26An enthralling new biography of Alexander the Great, written as an intimate, present portrait of the way his world saw him and the price he paid to become history's greatest military mind.
Alexander the Great: a wide-eyed boy from the hills of Macedon who ruled most of the known world by his mid-twenties. For centuries, historians, refugees, poets, and explorers have told his story, and yet Alexander himself has remained a mystery.
But over the last few years, a series of remarkable discoveries has changed everything. From the bottom of the Mediterranean Sea and the dust of Central Asian hillsides, the remains of Alexander's cities have emerged. The diaries of Babylonian astronomers who knew him have been deciphered. The tombs of his ancestors have been unearthed. Now, for the first time since antiquity, it is possible to tell a different story. The story of a young man whom almost no-one noticed, until the day he became king. A king who became a hero, a hero who became a living god, and a god who died broken-hearted in Babylon.
Using cutting-edge research and a unique narrative approach, Alexander thrusts readers into Alexander the Great's world in ways which have never before been possible: to see the same stars wheeling overhead, feel the desert wind, and experience the full horror of battle. Alexander is a cinematic work of non-fiction, a revelatory retelling of one of the most famous and elusive stories in history.
Alexander the Great: a wide-eyed boy from the hills of Macedon who ruled most of the known world by his mid-twenties. For centuries, historians, refugees, poets, and explorers have told his story, and yet Alexander himself has remained a mystery.
But over the last few years, a series of remarkable discoveries has changed everything. From the bottom of the Mediterranean Sea and the dust of Central Asian hillsides, the remains of Alexander's cities have emerged. The diaries of Babylonian astronomers who knew him have been deciphered. The tombs of his ancestors have been unearthed. Now, for the first time since antiquity, it is possible to tell a different story. The story of a young man whom almost no-one noticed, until the day he became king. A king who became a hero, a hero who became a living god, and a god who died broken-hearted in Babylon.
Using cutting-edge research and a unique narrative approach, Alexander thrusts readers into Alexander the Great's world in ways which have never before been possible: to see the same stars wheeling overhead, feel the desert wind, and experience the full horror of battle. Alexander is a cinematic work of non-fiction, a revelatory retelling of one of the most famous and elusive stories in history.
480 pages, Hardcover
First published June 2, 2026
About the author
Edmund Richardson
4 books72 followersEdmund Richardson is Professor of Classics at Durham University. He was named one of the BBC New Generation Thinkers. He is the author of 'Alexandria: The Quest for the Lost City' (Bloomsbury) and 'The King's Shadow: Obsession, Betrayal, and the Deadly Quest for the Lost City of Alexandria' (2022) (St Martin's Press).
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
August 3, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for providing me with an advance copy of Alexander: God, King, Man by Edmund Richardson in exchange for my honest review.
I was pleasantly surprised by Alexander: God, King, Man by Edmund Richardson. Richardson truly brings Alexander the Great to life through his engaging writing style and meticulous research.
Many readers avoid biographies because they expect them to be tedious, dry, or slow-paced, but this book is anything but that. Richardson takes readers on a fascinating journey, following Alexander from his childhood through his rise to the throne and his conquest of much of the known world by his mid-twenties. I felt as though I was right alongside Alexander throughout his remarkable life.
Incorporating recent archaeological discoveries adds fresh perspective and depth, making this an engaging and insightful biography. I highly recommend it to anyone interested in history or Alexander the Great.
I was pleasantly surprised by Alexander: God, King, Man by Edmund Richardson. Richardson truly brings Alexander the Great to life through his engaging writing style and meticulous research.
Many readers avoid biographies because they expect them to be tedious, dry, or slow-paced, but this book is anything but that. Richardson takes readers on a fascinating journey, following Alexander from his childhood through his rise to the throne and his conquest of much of the known world by his mid-twenties. I felt as though I was right alongside Alexander throughout his remarkable life.
Incorporating recent archaeological discoveries adds fresh perspective and depth, making this an engaging and insightful biography. I highly recommend it to anyone interested in history or Alexander the Great.
June 20, 2026
Very interesting. An easy read which covers Alexanders conquests fully without glossing over the bad bits.
Makes me wonder why Alexander, who pillaged his way across the Middle East and whose empire collapsed on his desth, is know as the Great whilst Gengis Khan, who who did the same from the other direction but left behind an Empire which survived long after he died, is known as a barbarian?
Makes me wonder why Alexander, who pillaged his way across the Middle East and whose empire collapsed on his desth, is know as the Great whilst Gengis Khan, who who did the same from the other direction but left behind an Empire which survived long after he died, is known as a barbarian?
July 7, 2026
See my review on my YouTube channel "I'll Read It...Eventually"
https://youtu.be/bYQl9UjYBzY
Overall, I am very pleased with this book.
In terms of pros:
Richardson does a good job recreating the tone and atmosphere of the ancient world. He takes ancient religion and culture seriously and on its own terms. He digs into Babylonian astronomy, Sumerian religion, Indian philosophy and more in order to help explain what Alexander’s conquests would have meant to the people in his world, and to him.
Richardson does a great job retelling the battles. If you’ve read a few Alexander biographies, the large set pieces can feel a little stale and well-trod. He punches them up with some good conjecture and color, but without turning it into a Michael Bay movie. His version of the Battle of the Hydaspes, in particular, was very good.
Richardson also sheds some light on aspects of the campaign that are not typically forefronted in other works. He gives some good space to the role of Callisthenes as a court historian, and subsequent attempts to fill that role by others. He highlights the atrocities and general lack of clarity in the Afghan campaign, as the army descended into darkness and madness. He notes the beginnings of Hellenization, especially in the meeting of Greek and Indian culture.
The book is rarely boring, even when it shifts away from Alexander and the main narrative.
In terms of cons:
It is not a particularly in-depth psychological portrait of Alexander (which is something I think the book is attempting to give). Richardson's case relies on largely unsupported assertions about what Alexander's emotional or mental state must have been, but from ancient sources that are not entirely trustworthy on the subject. He makes clear claims, but then later says that the sources themselves are so muddy that it’s largely impossible to reconstruct some facts and certainly personal motivations and views.
Some of the asides are distracting and feel a little too much like filler
He does the flash-forward/flashback trick that killed the Alexander movie from the early 2000s, but without any particular purpose. There is no special reason why he should use Alexander's emotional and mental state before Issus, rather than the moment he becomes a god in Egypt, or any other moment. The book’s weakest chapters are probably the first two, where he deploys this narrative device for no real purpose that I could see.
Overall, a very interesting and readable biography that will appeal to students of the ancient world and laypeople alike. A good introduction to the subject, but not the last word.
https://youtu.be/bYQl9UjYBzY
Overall, I am very pleased with this book.
In terms of pros:
Richardson does a good job recreating the tone and atmosphere of the ancient world. He takes ancient religion and culture seriously and on its own terms. He digs into Babylonian astronomy, Sumerian religion, Indian philosophy and more in order to help explain what Alexander’s conquests would have meant to the people in his world, and to him.
Richardson does a great job retelling the battles. If you’ve read a few Alexander biographies, the large set pieces can feel a little stale and well-trod. He punches them up with some good conjecture and color, but without turning it into a Michael Bay movie. His version of the Battle of the Hydaspes, in particular, was very good.
Richardson also sheds some light on aspects of the campaign that are not typically forefronted in other works. He gives some good space to the role of Callisthenes as a court historian, and subsequent attempts to fill that role by others. He highlights the atrocities and general lack of clarity in the Afghan campaign, as the army descended into darkness and madness. He notes the beginnings of Hellenization, especially in the meeting of Greek and Indian culture.
The book is rarely boring, even when it shifts away from Alexander and the main narrative.
In terms of cons:
It is not a particularly in-depth psychological portrait of Alexander (which is something I think the book is attempting to give). Richardson's case relies on largely unsupported assertions about what Alexander's emotional or mental state must have been, but from ancient sources that are not entirely trustworthy on the subject. He makes clear claims, but then later says that the sources themselves are so muddy that it’s largely impossible to reconstruct some facts and certainly personal motivations and views.
Some of the asides are distracting and feel a little too much like filler
He does the flash-forward/flashback trick that killed the Alexander movie from the early 2000s, but without any particular purpose. There is no special reason why he should use Alexander's emotional and mental state before Issus, rather than the moment he becomes a god in Egypt, or any other moment. The book’s weakest chapters are probably the first two, where he deploys this narrative device for no real purpose that I could see.
Overall, a very interesting and readable biography that will appeal to students of the ancient world and laypeople alike. A good introduction to the subject, but not the last word.
August 9, 2026
Thank you St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for providing an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Edmund Richardson did a phenomenal job at telling the story of Alexander the Great during his rise to power and to his ultimate downfall. Richardson laid out the timeline of Alexander with historical and factual evidence. Unlike other biographers, Richardson showed not only the good side of Alexander that made him to be so great and god-like, but he also showed the bad side and the mortal side of Alexander.
Personally, I didn’t know much about Alexander, and I wanted to learn more about him. I feel like this book is the perfect introduction to his legacy, especially if you are looking for factual and unbiased opinion about Alexander. It is raw, unfiltered, honest biography of Alexander the Great, and I highly recommend this book!
Edmund Richardson did a phenomenal job at telling the story of Alexander the Great during his rise to power and to his ultimate downfall. Richardson laid out the timeline of Alexander with historical and factual evidence. Unlike other biographers, Richardson showed not only the good side of Alexander that made him to be so great and god-like, but he also showed the bad side and the mortal side of Alexander.
Personally, I didn’t know much about Alexander, and I wanted to learn more about him. I feel like this book is the perfect introduction to his legacy, especially if you are looking for factual and unbiased opinion about Alexander. It is raw, unfiltered, honest biography of Alexander the Great, and I highly recommend this book!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I am not a fan of books that start at the end and then uses flash backs — again and again — to previous events, especially with biographies. I’d rather a more linear style, showing what events led up to A or B, rather than a more scattered approach. But that’s just me; other readers may have no issues with it. There are a lot of battles in this book (go figure!) and they’re covered simply, and in a way that makes it easy for me to grasp. I’m not good with chapters of tactics and maneuverings, my brain just doesn’t translate it well, so a simple overview — which this book did — was a more pleasant read.
There’s also a lot of work showing how the many problems Alexander faced developed, how ignoring troubles or being unused to ruling affected his policies, and how those policies led to the near disasters he faced more than once. However, the book does make some suppositions as to Alexander’s thoughts, mood, opinions, and sensationalizes some scenes. I think it’s best to accept those slightly fictionalized moments for what they are, but appreciate the detail and research that went into chronicling Alexander’s life and accomplishments.
I’ve always liked Alexander, and have read several books detailing his exploits and adventures, so there were several things in this book that was already familiar to me, but there’s also new information and new discoveries that were fun to read about. I also appreciate the way in which the book was written — very conversational and approachable. I think for most people this will be an enjoyable read.
Thank you so very much to Net Galley and the publisher for the ARC!
There’s also a lot of work showing how the many problems Alexander faced developed, how ignoring troubles or being unused to ruling affected his policies, and how those policies led to the near disasters he faced more than once. However, the book does make some suppositions as to Alexander’s thoughts, mood, opinions, and sensationalizes some scenes. I think it’s best to accept those slightly fictionalized moments for what they are, but appreciate the detail and research that went into chronicling Alexander’s life and accomplishments.
I’ve always liked Alexander, and have read several books detailing his exploits and adventures, so there were several things in this book that was already familiar to me, but there’s also new information and new discoveries that were fun to read about. I also appreciate the way in which the book was written — very conversational and approachable. I think for most people this will be an enjoyable read.
Thank you so very much to Net Galley and the publisher for the ARC!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
“Alexander” was fascinating. I had a general familiarity with Alexander the Great, including that he was tutored by Aristotle, his military victories, the extent of his empire, the importance of his new capital, Alexandria, and the influence he and his empire had on the world. However, the book was full of information that was new to me. The author debunks some myths and places various significant events in the wider context.
The account of the siege of Tyre was fascinating, with the engineering feats by the Macedonians and the Phoenicians and the terrifying offensive weaponry employed, especially by the Phoenicians. Diades, the engineering genius of the Macedonian army should be better known. It was also interesting to learn about stories involving Alexander that were fabricated and the reasons for those tall tales.
I particularly enjoyed the discussion of the great Library of Alexandria (which was founded by Ptolemy, Alexander’s successor), as well as the broader discussion of ancient libraries and the practice of book collecting.
Other interesting content: the Egyptian baboon scam; Tales of Alexander and development of prose fiction in Europe; the not so good Samaritans; Babylonian math and base sixty as the basis for 60 seconds in a minute, 60 minutes in an hour, and 360 degrees in a circle; the translation of cuneiform (which occurred in the 1800s, two millennia after Alexander); parody recipes from Susa; influential cities (Susa, Persepolis, Taxila) and individuals (Chandragupta, Darius, Porus, Kalyana) in other kingdoms/parts of the ancient world; war elephants.
The account of the siege of Tyre was fascinating, with the engineering feats by the Macedonians and the Phoenicians and the terrifying offensive weaponry employed, especially by the Phoenicians. Diades, the engineering genius of the Macedonian army should be better known. It was also interesting to learn about stories involving Alexander that were fabricated and the reasons for those tall tales.
I particularly enjoyed the discussion of the great Library of Alexandria (which was founded by Ptolemy, Alexander’s successor), as well as the broader discussion of ancient libraries and the practice of book collecting.
Other interesting content: the Egyptian baboon scam; Tales of Alexander and development of prose fiction in Europe; the not so good Samaritans; Babylonian math and base sixty as the basis for 60 seconds in a minute, 60 minutes in an hour, and 360 degrees in a circle; the translation of cuneiform (which occurred in the 1800s, two millennia after Alexander); parody recipes from Susa; influential cities (Susa, Persepolis, Taxila) and individuals (Chandragupta, Darius, Porus, Kalyana) in other kingdoms/parts of the ancient world; war elephants.
Read
August 9, 2026A really fun read. It is a bit too dramatized, though, and at times almost enters the realm of the novel. I occasionally felt like I was reading Mary Renault.
That being said, very few popular books can still teach me new things about Alexander the Great, and Richardson’s book managed to do that. He goes on all sorts of interesting side quests, like discussing Berber Alexander Romances I knew nothing about, or bringing in material that is only slightly relevant to the subject at hand, such as quoting the Epic of Gilgamesh while writing about Hephaestion’s death. Stuff like this made the book really engaging and kept my attention for most of it.
I can say that this is a strong contender to overtake Philip Freeman’s book as my favorite popular history book on Alexander. I should probably give it four stars, because it does get certain things wrong and ignores some recent scholarship in a few areas, which is a little embarrassing considering that I am not a classicist at all. It also often prefers telling a good, dramatized story to communicating the history as carefully as it could.
But it is so much fun that I am going to give it five stars anyway.
I think you should go into it not really expecting a conventional history book, but rather a well-written and somewhat dramatized biography of Alexander by a classicist who is going to tell you lots of interesting facts along the way, many of which are barely related to the topic at hand.
That being said, very few popular books can still teach me new things about Alexander the Great, and Richardson’s book managed to do that. He goes on all sorts of interesting side quests, like discussing Berber Alexander Romances I knew nothing about, or bringing in material that is only slightly relevant to the subject at hand, such as quoting the Epic of Gilgamesh while writing about Hephaestion’s death. Stuff like this made the book really engaging and kept my attention for most of it.
I can say that this is a strong contender to overtake Philip Freeman’s book as my favorite popular history book on Alexander. I should probably give it four stars, because it does get certain things wrong and ignores some recent scholarship in a few areas, which is a little embarrassing considering that I am not a classicist at all. It also often prefers telling a good, dramatized story to communicating the history as carefully as it could.
But it is so much fun that I am going to give it five stars anyway.
I think you should go into it not really expecting a conventional history book, but rather a well-written and somewhat dramatized biography of Alexander by a classicist who is going to tell you lots of interesting facts along the way, many of which are barely related to the topic at hand.
Want to Read
July 27, 2026After reading this exciting and well researched tale of Alexander, I am reminded that those who do not understand history are doomed to repeat it. Richardson has pulled together a great many resources from different eras to tell an invigorating story of Alexander the Great's excellent adventures taking over the known world. Knowing just enough about Alexander, I found myself googling many "facts" to learn more. Fascinating tidbits are on nearly every page. From counting the enemy's dead by cutting off their penises, to the wonders of Babylon and finally Egyptian mummification, it is an amazing narrative of a bloodthirsty time.
I spent way to much time on a beautiful weekend engrossed in this Netgallery early version of this book. Please add maps and direct links to footnotes in the final verson.
I spent way to much time on a beautiful weekend engrossed in this Netgallery early version of this book. Please add maps and direct links to footnotes in the final verson.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This is outside of my normal reading preferences, but I am so glad I had the opportunity to receive an e-arc from NetGalley and the publisher.
Edmund Richardson has a great writing style to deliver such a historical saga, not shying away from the ugly parts of Alexander's life. This was a palatable read and presents information without hiding behind floral fluff. The inclusion of other historic references helped weave just how interconnected this history is with maybe more familiar materials taught in schools.
4/75/5 star rating, rounded down simply for the fact that I feel like it's a very brief examination of the three main touchpoints of the title. We learn how he becomes God, King, and Man, but briefly. I would love more, but the onus would be on me for that now.
Still, a delightful introduction into the world of Alexander the Great.
Edmund Richardson has a great writing style to deliver such a historical saga, not shying away from the ugly parts of Alexander's life. This was a palatable read and presents information without hiding behind floral fluff. The inclusion of other historic references helped weave just how interconnected this history is with maybe more familiar materials taught in schools.
4/75/5 star rating, rounded down simply for the fact that I feel like it's a very brief examination of the three main touchpoints of the title. We learn how he becomes God, King, and Man, but briefly. I would love more, but the onus would be on me for that now.
Still, a delightful introduction into the world of Alexander the Great.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I had a small amount of knowledge concerning the life and experiences of Alexander, so I took this as an opportunity to learn more about the man who I was introduced to as a child as Great. This book is comprehensive and gives a very detailed account of Alexander's rule and his victories. I appreciated the details given, and the reasoning behind some of the decisions made by Alexander and his men. This book is a precise read, with a great deal of detail put into footnotes; which while making a fantastic research tome, does not lend for lighthearted reading. I learned considerably more than I had anticipated but would not be rushing to read more from this author.
Review of advance copy
Bravo. This is a fantastic book about the 'greatest' conqueror of all time. It is interesting and yet reads like a story. I particularly appreciated the author quoting his plethora of sources along the way, including writings from Plutarch, Cicero, Josephus etc and even archeological findings from recent discoveries. Richardson does a great job of dispelling endless myths to give us a compelling story of a deeply flawed man who was driven, but made many mistakes and was subject to all the same emotions that us lowly humans have...
July 29, 2026
Alexander’s story has been told countless times over the last 2,000 years, but Edmund Richardson has done something special with this book. It is simultaneously a book about Alexander and about the times in which he lived, tracing his journey from boy to man, man to conqueror, conqueror to god, and ultimately into legend while he was still alive. It’s an extraordinarily moving and tragic story, told afresh. Highly recommended.
Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for an ARC copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for an ARC copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Edmund Richardson completely strips away the dry, textbook academic prose to deliver a fast-paced and deeply atmospheric portrait of Alexander the Great. Powered by incredible new research—including deciphered Babylonian diaries—the book reads like an epic narrative while remaining grounded in cutting-edge archaeology. It is an unflinching look that captures both his brilliant strategic mind and the brutal human cost of his empire. Highly recommended for both casual readers and seasoned history buffs!
Thank you to Netgalley for the ARC of this book
Thank you to Netgalley for the ARC of this book
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I am not a history buff nor did I know much at all about Alexander, so chose to read this to learn about Alexander the Great. I found it very readable; written like a novel rather than a textbook. What I discovered though is that his life seemed to be one battle after another and the gruesomeness of the battles and the everyday punishments that were doled out, was disturbing. Although this book wasn't one I would pick up again, I think it is a good one for a history buff or one who enjoys war and battle stories. Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to read the ARC.
Did Not Finish
June 13, 2026Excellent book if you are historian and enjoy hearing about the strategy about how Alexander obtained power, sustained it, his victories in battle and his defeats and short comings. It is just not for me because I am not into that type of material so much. I did read about a fourth of it and it is good and well written, just did not match my interests enough.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A great read of Alexander, blending multiple perspectives, anecdotes, glimpses of battles, reasoning, and the aftermath of it all, in a digestible cadence never lingering on too long in one area. Highly recommend.
August 22, 2026
Wowowowowow I’m in awe of what a man can do to the world. Alexander’s love for literature, history and culture makes him not just an ordinary exceptional man but a one we can call Great. I NEED to read more history because this was so insane.
Review of advance copy
Excellent. A vivid and highly readable account of Alexander's life.
(I purchased the ebook several weeks ago off Kobe Books)
(I purchased the ebook several weeks ago off Kobe Books)
July 1, 2026
A lot more than history
You will also learn much about the ancient world. The poems, the thinking, the battles . Also incredible is the picture this book paints of humans.
You will also learn much about the ancient world. The poems, the thinking, the battles . Also incredible is the picture this book paints of humans.
Review of advance copy
Wow what a journey and what a real written book. Not just history but an immersive journey back in time and across the Greek & Persian world.
Review of advance copy
never meet your heroes
August 9, 2026
Most vivid and poetic narrative history, reads like a thriller with historical accuracy, not judgemental for the most part which is great.
Review of advance copy
Superficial in some places. A little bit of conjecture and supposition. Written, however, with a very humanist element, and some wonderful cross cultural views.
August 29, 2026
Excellent. Easy to read. Page turning and fascinating.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This new biography of Alexander the Great covers how he took control of the bankrupt kingdom of Macedonia after his father's assassination, maintained that control through a series of bloody conquests over the rest of Greece, Egypt, and the Persian Empire, before concluding with his spiraling downfall in Babylon. The book incorporates new information from recent archaeological discoveries and aspires to debunk of some fictions surrounding Alexander. The prose is engaging and exciting, almost like reading an epic fantasy.
Although I think Alexander: God, King, Man is a decent presentation of Alexander’s life, particularly his military expansion, the book is mostly concerned with deconstructing and debunking the representation of Alexander within fictional works from his own time and in the centuries following his death. I think Richardson does a good job of sifting the realities from the fantasies.
Thanks to NetGalley and Saga Press for the eARC.
Although I think Alexander: God, King, Man is a decent presentation of Alexander’s life, particularly his military expansion, the book is mostly concerned with deconstructing and debunking the representation of Alexander within fictional works from his own time and in the centuries following his death. I think Richardson does a good job of sifting the realities from the fantasies.
Thanks to NetGalley and Saga Press for the eARC.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews