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Other Stuff => General Wargames and Hobby Discussion => Topic started by: jetengine on April 15, 2021, 07:22:44 PM

Title: Book suggestion for Ancients?
Post by: jetengine on April 15, 2021, 07:22:44 PM
I want to learn a bit more about Alexander-the-reasonably-decent and the Macadonians. He was a big deal for history as were the people he led. I've little doubt there's a ton of literature so I'd like some help in figuring out what to read.

What I'm looking for...

1. Not dry, something personable
2. All encompassing Alexanders life. If it requires two books (one on Macedonia, the other on Alexander) then so be it.

Any help is greatly appreciated.
Title: Re: Book suggestion for Ancients?
Post by: Andrew_McGuire on April 15, 2021, 07:53:52 PM
My initial recommendation would be Peter Green’s Alexander of Macedon. While not reflecting the latest research it is comprehensive - more so, as one would expect from a biography, on Alexander himself than on Macedon and the Macedonian army - and highly readable. Robin Lane Fox’s biography Alexander the Great is of similar vintage but still well regarded. There is a more recent work I would consider worthy of attention by Paul Cartledge, Alexander the Great: The Truth Behind the Myth.

An interesting view of Alexander’s generalship can be found in a book by Barry S. Strauss called Masters of Command: Alexander, Hannibal,  Caesar and the Genius of Leadership. It’s a comparative study of Alexander, Hannibal and Caesar, essentially as strategists. (Spoiler: Alexander doesn’t come out on top).

I’m sure others will suggest books with the background information on Macedon that you require, as well as other biographies and studies of Alexander’s generalship and personality. I know, for example, that one fairly recent work focuses on his (supposed) alcoholism; I imagine this would be a little too specialised as a starting point.
Title: Re: Book suggestion for Ancients?
Post by: zemjw on April 15, 2021, 08:02:49 PM
It you're looking for something to listen to while painting, there are a couple of Alexander related courses from The Great Courses.

Alexander the Great and the Macedonian Empire (https://www.thegreatcourses.com/courses/alexander-the-great-and-the-macedonian-empire)
Alexander the Great and the Hellenistic Age (https://www.thegreatcourses.com/courses/alexander-the-great-and-the-hellenistic-age)

Both on sale and pretty cheap at the moment
Title: Re: Book suggestion for Ancients?
Post by: rct75001 on April 16, 2021, 08:13:12 AM
I've just finished this one by Adrian Goldsworthy - enjoyed each of his books that I have read.

https://www.amazon.com.au/Philip-Alexander-Adrian-Goldsworthy/dp/1784978701

Richard
Title: Re: Book suggestion for Ancients?
Post by: Emir of Askaristan on April 16, 2021, 10:14:00 AM
Id start with Arrian's History, to get the ancient "feel" and then a modern account.

Fox is good and well written and is still on my bookshelf. I've not read Goldsworthy, but imagine he would be be another excellent choice.

For background I'd also pick up a copy of In the Footsteps of Alexander the Great by Michael Wood, the companion book to a BBC TV series which followed Alexander's route from Macedon to India and back to Babylon. Better still find it online and watch it.

Once you've got these under your belt you can go for a deeper dive into the more technical books on the Macedonian army and the successors.
Title: Re: Book suggestion for Ancients?
Post by: miros on April 16, 2021, 03:38:29 PM
I second the recommendations for Peter Green and Adrian Goldsworthy.
Title: Re: Book suggestion for Ancients?
Post by: Sir_Theo on April 16, 2021, 04:19:25 PM
I can only second all these recommendations.

I remember reading Robin Lane Fox and Peter Greens books during my undergraduate Classics degree (admittedly 20 years ago). I haven't read the Goldsworthy book but I have read some of his Roman books (and his fiction!) and he's a very knowledgeable author, very readable as well.

The Michael Wood programme, and accompanying book is a great starting point as well.
Title: Re: Book suggestion for Ancients?
Post by: armchairgeneral on April 17, 2021, 06:54:49 AM
I would recommend God of War by Christian Cameron for an excellent novelised account.
Title: Re: Book suggestion for Ancients?
Post by: SJWi on April 19, 2021, 10:54:09 AM
Goldsworthy gets my vote as well especially given that it covers Philip of Macedon as well. Would complement some of the more Alexander-centric books.
Title: Re: Book suggestion for Ancients?
Post by: mc_deli on April 27, 2021, 09:37:27 PM
If you want much less dry, then:

The Persian Boy by Mary Renault

You're welcome :)
Title: Re: Book suggestion for Ancients?
Post by: Moriarty on May 04, 2021, 07:15:02 PM
Phil Barker did one - 'Alexander the Greats Campaigns'.