Alexander: The Story of a Legendary Leader

by David Wade, Alex Jennings (Narrator), Barry Foster (Narrator)

A THRILLING SIX-PART SERIAL ON THE LIFE OF ALEXANDER THE GREAT.

Alexander of Macedon was one of history's greatest ever military commanders. By the time of his death, aged just 32, he had conquered the entire Persian Empire and was ruler of a vast territory stretching from Greece to the borders of India. These six episodes tell his extraordinary life story, as reimagined by acclaimed dramatist David Wade.

'The King's Son' - 356 BC. Outside the city of Pella in Macedonia, the spirits of Achilles and Patroclus are eagerly awaiting a royal birth. But Alexander's arrival creates friction between King Philip and Queen Olympias.

'I Am Also Alexander' - The Young Prince is used as a pawn in the war between his parents and becomes a student of the great philosopher Aristotle.

'Preparation of the Sacrifice' - Alexander goes into battle to prove his manhood. Meanwhile, King Philip's remarriage plans cause tension.

'The Road to Gordium' - Warrior Alexander becomes King of Macedonia and sets out to conquer the world. . .

'The Hunt of the God King' - Alexander pursues Darius, King of Persia, conquers Egypt - and falls in love with the beautiful Barsine.

'Great Son of Ammon' - The King confronts treachery, invades India and faces the end of the span of years allotted by the Fates. . .

This compelling series stars Michael Maloney as Alexander, with and incredible cast including Brian Cox, Geraldine James, Alex Jennings, Juian Rhind-Tutt and many others. . .



RUNNING TIME ⇒ 6hrs. and 45mins.

©2020 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (P)2020 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd

Genres: History, Audiobook

Audible Audio

First published January 1, 1940

About the author

David Wade is an artist and architect, as well as the author of Pattern in Islamic Art (Overlook Press and Studio Vista, 1976); Geometric Patterns and Borders (Wildwood House and Van Nostrand Reinhold, 1982); Crystal and Dragon: The Cosmic Dance of Symmetry and Chaos in Nature, Art and Consciousness (Destiny Books, 1993); Li: Dynamic Form in Nature (Walker & Company, 2003); and Symmetry: The Ordering Principle (Walker & Company, 2006).

He lives in Wales.

from artstor.org

Reviews

[Bettie]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b007jx2h

The King's Son: The story of Alexander the Great starts with royal friction after his birth. Stars Barry Foster, Simon Ward and Geraldine James.

I am Also Alexander: The youngster is a pawn in his parents' war, and is educated by philosopher Aristotle

Preparation of the Sacrifice: The young man goes into battle, while King Philip's remarriage causes tensions.

The Road to Gordium: The warrior becomes King of Macedonia and sets out to conquer the world

The Hunt of the God King: The conquering king pursues Darius, King of Persia, and falls in love

Great Son of Ammon: The king confronts and conquers, as he faces the end of the span of years allotted by the Fates

[Laura]

From BBC Radio 4 Extra:
The story of Alexander the Great, with a distinguished cast list of Barry Foster, Simon Ward and Brian Cox.

[Paula]

Not sure what to think of this. This was presented in 6, 1-hour episodes by the BBC. Is it actually a book? I'm not sure. It sounds like it's just an audio play. Anyway, it seemed a bit overly fictionalized for my taste. Some of the characters were over-the-top (like his mother), but I can see why the writer would do that for this type of tale. Alexander's life reads like fiction, it's so incredible. I read a book on the life of Alexander many years ago (forgotten which one, unfortunately) that I remember with more enjoyment.

[Marie]

Delightfully cheesy, somewhat unserious but quite historically accurate. Scenery chewers featured include Michael Maloney as Alexander and a very expressive Geraldine James as his mother. Brian Cox is pleasantly understated as King Philip - one can only wonder what Brian Blessed would have done with this role. For all the hamminess, it is a gripping listen and before long the listener realizes that they're learning more than they expected about Alexander and his lifetime. Well done!

[Stefan Grieve]

An epic story performed well, of the life and victories of Alexander the Great.
The music is dated and cheesy for this modern production, but everything else is steller.

[Magpie]

Revels in melodrama a bit too much, but still enjoyable

[Erika]

The story of Alexander the Great