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Alexander the Great

Journey to the End of the Earth

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About this listen

 In this succinct portrait of Alexander the Great, distinguished scholar and historian Norman Cantor draws on the major writings of Alexander's contemporaries, as well as the most recent psychological and cultural studies, to illuminate this most legendary of men - a great figure in the ancient world, whose puzzling personality greatly fueled his military accomplishments.

Cantor describes Alexander's ambiguous relationship with his father, Philip II of Macedon; his oedipal involvement with his mother, the Albanian princess Olympias; and his bisexuality. He traces Alexander's attempts to bridge the East and West, using Achilles, hero of the Trojan War, as his model.

Finally, Cantor explores Alexander's view of himself in relation to the pagan gods of Greece and Egypt. More than a biography, Cantor's Alexander the Great is a psychological rendering of a man of his time.

©2005 The Estate of Norman F. Cantor (P)2008 Blackstone Audio, Inc. Ancient Politicians Politics & Activism Ancient History Ancient Greece Greece Inspiring Military Middle East Biography Mythology Africa

Critic reviews

"Military exploits...are excitingly revivified, and honesty is the hallmark of Cantor's appreciation of Alexander's relationship with his longtime male lover, Hephaestion. A book that does the biographical art proud." ( Booklist)
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Good stuff, although I fell asleep a few times and had to rewind. Although I was imagining Alexander as Colin farrell with blonde mullet because of that dodgy film by Oliver Stone! Did anyone else have that problem? In fact all the characters were from the film, which sort of made me feel. A bit weird as it was a bit crap that film. But I'm sure the real Alexander did jot have a blonde mullet and an Irish accent.

Nice

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The first three chapters are not very good. Too much conjecture, too much subjective reasoning. But chapters 4 to 6 is where this boik shines and I thoroughly enjoyed the brief bio and the reflection at the end. As a study of Alexander the person, not his deeds, and his place is history this boik is great.

Shaky start redeemed by insightful second half

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Ever wanted to know the full story of Alexander the Great?
Well here it is. Short, to the point but gripping enough to keep you interested.
Reader does a great job too.

A Brief but complete history.

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I loved this book. The drawing together of so many ancient sources builds the picture of an enigmatic man and brilliant commander. He lived so long ago and yet he comes to life in this book. You can picture him clearly in your mind’s eye. Sad the book is finished

Alexander The Great

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The information itself was interesting and the way it was all put into the context of the time period was great, but the delivery was very dry (both the writing and performance)

Interesting but dry

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