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Alexander the Great
Children's biography of Alexander the Great.
183 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1953
5 people are currently reading
250 people want to read
About the author
John Gunther
89 books554 followersJohn Gunther was one of the best known and most admired journalists of his day, and his series of "Inside" books, starting with Inside Europe in 1936, were immensely popular profiles of the major world powers. One critic noted that it was Gunther's special gift to "unite the best qualities of the newspaperman and the historian." It was a gift that readers responded to enthusiastically. The "Inside" books sold 3,500,000 copies over a period of thirty years.
While publicly a bon vivant and modest celebrity, Gunther in his private life suffered disappointment and tragedy. He and Frances Fineman, whom he married in 1927, had a daughter who died four months after her birth in 1929. The Gunthers divorced in 1944. In 1947, their beloved son Johnny died after a long, heartbreaking fight with brain cancer. Gunther wrote his classic memoir Death Be Not Proud, published in 1949, to commemorate the courage and spirit of this extraordinary boy. Gunther remarried in 1948, and he and his second wife, Jane Perry Vandercook, adopted a son.
While publicly a bon vivant and modest celebrity, Gunther in his private life suffered disappointment and tragedy. He and Frances Fineman, whom he married in 1927, had a daughter who died four months after her birth in 1929. The Gunthers divorced in 1944. In 1947, their beloved son Johnny died after a long, heartbreaking fight with brain cancer. Gunther wrote his classic memoir Death Be Not Proud, published in 1949, to commemorate the courage and spirit of this extraordinary boy. Gunther remarried in 1948, and he and his second wife, Jane Perry Vandercook, adopted a son.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
August 13, 2016
The biography about history's greatest warrior is extremely insightful and well researched. A quick read, the story develops alongside the future king's own personal growth. Throughout, John Gunther kept his opinion to himself, maintaining the book extremely unbiased and as a historical gem. I certainly recommend this to anyone who loves history because you will learn as much as a textbook, but you will have a much greater enjoyment.
The biography begins with his father in the throne, and describes how he raised his own son to become the man he expected to leave the throne too. After his father's death, Alexander was automatically put to power, for his older brother had mental difficulties and would never be able to rule a country. Before the seat was even warm, he took his army and set out to conquer, and, as we know now, he almost conquered the entire known world. Every lesson from his father, every successful battle, every struggle is described in detail!
The biography begins with his father in the throne, and describes how he raised his own son to become the man he expected to leave the throne too. After his father's death, Alexander was automatically put to power, for his older brother had mental difficulties and would never be able to rule a country. Before the seat was even warm, he took his army and set out to conquer, and, as we know now, he almost conquered the entire known world. Every lesson from his father, every successful battle, every struggle is described in detail!
May 24, 2019
Great intro to the life and character of Alexander the Great. Gives a fair and balanced view of his aspiration, military and politic genius, as well as his cruelty, lack of self-control, and increasing paranoia.
Recommend for ages 8+
Recommend for ages 8+
April 25, 2020
I read this book as a child, then again recently as an adult.
Even though it is a middle-grade book, I still enjoyed my reread of it! This book is excellent for children, but it’s still good for adults who just want a brief overview of Alexander’s life without reading a heavy 400 page book.
Even though it is a middle-grade book, I still enjoyed my reread of it! This book is excellent for children, but it’s still good for adults who just want a brief overview of Alexander’s life without reading a heavy 400 page book.
June 16, 2023
I've branched out somewhat from the Landmark book series to see what other juvenile history literature is out there. This one was originally published in 1953, but was revised in 2007. It's a capable introduction to the story of one of the greatest military figures of all time, Alexander the Great (Ἀλέξανδρος). There's certainly been some revision regarding his legacy in the past generation or so - it's now acknowledged that he didn't so much conquer as plunder. Initially, he may have attempted to set up his own rulers in the areas he subjugated, but that became much less common (and effective) as he continued to move east, more out of necessity, as he didn't have the manpower to maintain any tight control of the areas he moved through for long.
I don't want to get into too many of the details here - the book does at least a decent job of hitting the highlights of Alexander's brief but illustrious life in an accessible way to a general audience, but I did want to say something about sources, as mentions of source material are scant in this short volume. It features some of the most familiar details of what is known about Alexander, such as his early life, his contentious relations with his father, Philip II (Φίλιππος Philippos - 382 BC – 21 Oct. 336 BC, whose name means "Lover of Horses") and mother, the ambitious Olympias, the episode of his taming Bucephalos as a boy (whose name means "ox-head" in Greek, either a reference to the horse's appearance or his fierceness or stubbornness), and a broad-strokes description of his campaigns and untimely death.
Most of the information we have about Alexander is wrought from much later authors, the most voluminous of which is Plutarch's (Πλούταρχος, Ploútarchos, ca. AD 46 – aft. AD 119) "Life of Alexander," which wasn't written until centuries after Alexander's death. It receives several passing mentions in the book, but, as noted, some discussion of this source would certainly have been warranted. For example, Alexander's biography was included in Plutarch's "Parallel Lives," which paired a Greek figure and their supposed-Roman counterpart. That technique certainly "colored" the author's perspective, offering an opportunity for discussion, even among young readers. In addition, Plutarch was more concerned with men's character, making him more a moral philosopher than a historian. It is in this source that we find the oft-quoted (almost certainly fictive) statement by King Phillip, after his son's famous ride on Bucephalos, "My son, seek out a kingdom big enough for thy ambitions, as Macedon is too small for thee."
Another source was by Roman historian Quintus Curtius Rufus, probably of the 1st century AD. His only surviving work, is the "Historiae Alexandri Magni," or "Histories of Alexander the Great," but it is fragmentary. Other information is gleaned from the biographies of famous Persian figures, such as the works of Diodorus Siculus (Διόδωρος 1st century BC), another ancient Greek historian. He is known for writing a monumental universal history, the "Bibliotheca historica," in forty books, fifteen of which survive intact, between 60 and 30 BC. Another even later source is the "Anabasis of Alexander" (Ἀλεξάνδρου Ἀνάβασις), composed by Arrian of Nicomedia in the second century AD, most probably during the reign of the Roman emperor Hadrian. It is believed that his did draw from now-lost contemporary histories of Alexander's campaigns, written by his general Ptolemy, his confidant Aristobulus, and another of his officers, Nearchus, in addition to the lost writings of the historian Cleitarchus, all of whom were contemporary with Alexander and wrote in the mid- to late fourth century BC.
Although they don't offer much biographical information, some visual depictions of Alexander also survive, offering another dimension for discussion about how he was portrayed, but these likewise were mostly produced after his death. One surviving fresco, at the tomb of Philip II, survives, which is the only known depiction of Alexander made during his lifetime, the 330s BC. As noted, Alexander had coins and other works produced, but these are generally highly stylized, so their accuracy is often questioned.
I wanted to at least note, in addition: as frequently is the case in the ancient sources from which the material is drawn, the book serves as something of a moralizing tale, which still, regrettably, retains an "Orientalizing" sentiment, that is, the notion that Eastern affluence is associated with weakness, laziness and vice. Hated enemies even in Roman times, the Persians are frequently described in ancient sources as weak and effeminate (men's use of parasols to shade themselves from the burning sun seems to be a particular and frequent topic of ridicule and scorn). This serves as yet another literary trope commonly applied to "The Other" in ancient sources, and a word on how non-Greeks are portrayed by Greek and Roman authors would have also offered another opportunity for discussion and textual criticism.
I also wish there was more material regarding the numerous figures and locations mentioned throughout the book, as little information is offered about some of the most illustrious figures and famous places in the history of the ancient Mediterranean, such as Demosthenes, Diogenes, Pindar, Socrates, Plato, Aristotle, and even Homer and the great Epics, with which modern audiences have little familiarity. The book even calls them "household words and names today," which, TODAY, they aren't.
A word of caution: the book assumes a great deal of knowledge from readers, in fact, who are probably far less familiar with Classical figures and sites than previous generations would have been. I've met very few outside of my small circle who are familiar with the Oracle at Delphi (many may not even know what an "oracle" is), biblical figures such as the great Mesopotamian kings Hammurabi, the significance of sites such as Sumeria, Babylonia, Assyria; and Persian kings, Cyrus the Great, Darius, Xerxes, and others. I think it would have been time well spent to include some type of index that featured a paragraph or two about these various figures and places especially, with perhaps some brief history of significant locations and events (such as Thebes, some sites in Egypt and the Levant, and events such the Peloponnesian War). There is an index, but there is little or no other content.
Aside from that, however, I'm always in favor of books which address our ancient past, and this one, despite some flaws, makes the material accessible to new generations of readers.
I don't want to get into too many of the details here - the book does at least a decent job of hitting the highlights of Alexander's brief but illustrious life in an accessible way to a general audience, but I did want to say something about sources, as mentions of source material are scant in this short volume. It features some of the most familiar details of what is known about Alexander, such as his early life, his contentious relations with his father, Philip II (Φίλιππος Philippos - 382 BC – 21 Oct. 336 BC, whose name means "Lover of Horses") and mother, the ambitious Olympias, the episode of his taming Bucephalos as a boy (whose name means "ox-head" in Greek, either a reference to the horse's appearance or his fierceness or stubbornness), and a broad-strokes description of his campaigns and untimely death.
Most of the information we have about Alexander is wrought from much later authors, the most voluminous of which is Plutarch's (Πλούταρχος, Ploútarchos, ca. AD 46 – aft. AD 119) "Life of Alexander," which wasn't written until centuries after Alexander's death. It receives several passing mentions in the book, but, as noted, some discussion of this source would certainly have been warranted. For example, Alexander's biography was included in Plutarch's "Parallel Lives," which paired a Greek figure and their supposed-Roman counterpart. That technique certainly "colored" the author's perspective, offering an opportunity for discussion, even among young readers. In addition, Plutarch was more concerned with men's character, making him more a moral philosopher than a historian. It is in this source that we find the oft-quoted (almost certainly fictive) statement by King Phillip, after his son's famous ride on Bucephalos, "My son, seek out a kingdom big enough for thy ambitions, as Macedon is too small for thee."
Another source was by Roman historian Quintus Curtius Rufus, probably of the 1st century AD. His only surviving work, is the "Historiae Alexandri Magni," or "Histories of Alexander the Great," but it is fragmentary. Other information is gleaned from the biographies of famous Persian figures, such as the works of Diodorus Siculus (Διόδωρος 1st century BC), another ancient Greek historian. He is known for writing a monumental universal history, the "Bibliotheca historica," in forty books, fifteen of which survive intact, between 60 and 30 BC. Another even later source is the "Anabasis of Alexander" (Ἀλεξάνδρου Ἀνάβασις), composed by Arrian of Nicomedia in the second century AD, most probably during the reign of the Roman emperor Hadrian. It is believed that his did draw from now-lost contemporary histories of Alexander's campaigns, written by his general Ptolemy, his confidant Aristobulus, and another of his officers, Nearchus, in addition to the lost writings of the historian Cleitarchus, all of whom were contemporary with Alexander and wrote in the mid- to late fourth century BC.
Although they don't offer much biographical information, some visual depictions of Alexander also survive, offering another dimension for discussion about how he was portrayed, but these likewise were mostly produced after his death. One surviving fresco, at the tomb of Philip II, survives, which is the only known depiction of Alexander made during his lifetime, the 330s BC. As noted, Alexander had coins and other works produced, but these are generally highly stylized, so their accuracy is often questioned.
I wanted to at least note, in addition: as frequently is the case in the ancient sources from which the material is drawn, the book serves as something of a moralizing tale, which still, regrettably, retains an "Orientalizing" sentiment, that is, the notion that Eastern affluence is associated with weakness, laziness and vice. Hated enemies even in Roman times, the Persians are frequently described in ancient sources as weak and effeminate (men's use of parasols to shade themselves from the burning sun seems to be a particular and frequent topic of ridicule and scorn). This serves as yet another literary trope commonly applied to "The Other" in ancient sources, and a word on how non-Greeks are portrayed by Greek and Roman authors would have also offered another opportunity for discussion and textual criticism.
I also wish there was more material regarding the numerous figures and locations mentioned throughout the book, as little information is offered about some of the most illustrious figures and famous places in the history of the ancient Mediterranean, such as Demosthenes, Diogenes, Pindar, Socrates, Plato, Aristotle, and even Homer and the great Epics, with which modern audiences have little familiarity. The book even calls them "household words and names today," which, TODAY, they aren't.
A word of caution: the book assumes a great deal of knowledge from readers, in fact, who are probably far less familiar with Classical figures and sites than previous generations would have been. I've met very few outside of my small circle who are familiar with the Oracle at Delphi (many may not even know what an "oracle" is), biblical figures such as the great Mesopotamian kings Hammurabi, the significance of sites such as Sumeria, Babylonia, Assyria; and Persian kings, Cyrus the Great, Darius, Xerxes, and others. I think it would have been time well spent to include some type of index that featured a paragraph or two about these various figures and places especially, with perhaps some brief history of significant locations and events (such as Thebes, some sites in Egypt and the Levant, and events such the Peloponnesian War). There is an index, but there is little or no other content.
Aside from that, however, I'm always in favor of books which address our ancient past, and this one, despite some flaws, makes the material accessible to new generations of readers.
May 6, 2022
I found this on a random shelf at home and it turned out to be a really enjoyable and quick introduction to the life of Alexander. The book is really easy to read but it isn't for people who want a deep dive into his life. John Gunther does a great job keeping an objective tone throughout the story focusing strictly on the facts. I really liked that he showed both sides of his character.
"Alexander had conquered almost the entire world, but never managed to conquer himself" (pg 142).
"Alexander had conquered almost the entire world, but never managed to conquer himself" (pg 142).
September 27, 2022
Definitely meant for a younger audience and reads a lot like a simple story. I read this over and over again as a kid, and am returning to it now.
This is still a great story, but does lack some depth. This was originally published in 1953, so the phrasing does feel a bit dated and clunky. Even so, i would recommend it as a starting point for learning about Alexander or this period in time.
This is still a great story, but does lack some depth. This was originally published in 1953, so the phrasing does feel a bit dated and clunky. Even so, i would recommend it as a starting point for learning about Alexander or this period in time.
February 18, 2018
Good for upper elementary to jr. high and probably high school too. I read it quickly and thought it gave an interesting picture of Alexander the Great and his conquest. Definitely a good place to start for research on Alexander.
October 5, 2022
Great overview of the life and legacy of Alexander. Bits of it read like an English translation from another language, because it was so clunky. This book is definitely aimed at a younger student audience, but was still an enjoyable read for this old fart.
August 28, 2021
An in depth reading of Alexander the Great's life with rich language.
September 11, 2023
2 on aim. 2 on research. 2 on style. 2 on logic. 1 on affections. This book illustrates the great romance, despotism, and eventual fate of Alexander the Great.
September 11, 2024
An easy read about the life of Alexander the Great. A perfect introduction as this book is targeted towards teenagers so not too deep.
February 18, 2025
I'd review it as 3 and a half stars.
May 7, 2020
We have a bunch of Landmark books, but this is the first one I've ever read. I enjoyed the writing style and illustrations, and my 6 year old seemed to like them as well. I noted that the text often makes reference to events in American history in analogies designed to help the reader's understanding. While these would have been familiar to the average middle grade reader at the time this book was published, my daughter hadn't learned about them yet. I'll be curious to see whether these are helpful to her when we revisit the book on our second time through world history, in 5th grade.
June 25, 2012
This is an old school book that I acquired from my grandparents (I think). While it introduces the history of Alexander the Great in a wonderful young adult novel fashion, I was surprised at the moral lessons that were included. The book clearly states that certain personality traits were "evil" or "wrong" and others were "ideal." In one instance they even pointed out that drunk people have boring conversation. Not only did I learn a little of Alexander's life, I had a few chuckles along the way.
February 16, 2012
I really liked Alexander the Great before reading this book. But this author couldn't seem to make up his mind what Alexander was really like, continuously contradicting himself and saying how 'merciful' and 'bloodthirsty' Alexander was. While I'm sure it has real information, this book is just badly written. At least it doesn't take long to read.
March 29, 2013
The first chapter started off so promising - read like a great, living story. However, it quickly disintegrated into reading like a boring text book, with brief reprieves here and there of story telling. Not what I was looking for in a book to share with my kids about the life of Alexander the Great.
May 25, 2021
Another landmark book. Loved getting to find out little tidbits about Alexander’s life. How his mother was believed to be a witch and responsible for many deaths of people who came in between Alexander and power. I also found it intriguing but sad learning how hot tempered he was. He got so mad at a good friend of his that he fought with him and killed him. Then regretted it.
September 25, 2013
I had to do a report on this book, little did i know this was a kiddy book.
oh well! It helped me understand Alexander a lot better, so i would not just limit this for children if you want to know a general idea of what Alexander the Great did
GO WITH THIS BOOK
oh well! It helped me understand Alexander a lot better, so i would not just limit this for children if you want to know a general idea of what Alexander the Great did
GO WITH THIS BOOK
March 17, 2009
This was more for younger readers
March 18, 2020
First reading Feb 1-23, 2011. Second reading: just as good! Excellent biography read aloud!
May 10, 2012
good for 6+ !
May 11, 2012
A children's history book. A fascinating and great man - well worth reading more about.
July 30, 2014
Appropriate for upper elementary.
December 8, 2014
it was boring
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews