A joint biography that investigates how, during their lifetimes, Philip and Alexander of Macedon transformed a weak kingdom in northern Greece into a globe-spanning empire, and in so doing changed the course of human history.
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Summary
A joint biography that investigates how, during their lifetimes, Philip and Alexander of Macedon transformed a weak kingdom in northern Greece into a globe-spanning empire, and in so doing changed the course of human history.
Description
'A thrilling read' Tom Holland
'History-writing at its best' Barry Strauss
By the end of his short life, Alexander the Great had redrawn the map of the ancient world to create an empire that stretched from the Adriatic Sea to the Indian subcontinent. But his success was not just the product of his own genius and restless energy, it was built on decades of effort by his father.
History has portrayed Philip II of Macedon as a one-eyed old man whose assassination allowed Alexander to accede to power. But there was far more to him than this. Through decades of hard fighting and clever diplomacy, Philip unified his country and conquered Greece. His son inherited all of this at the perfect moment for him to win yet greater glory.
The work of a master historian, Philip and Alexander describes how Philip and Alexander of Macedon transformed a weak kingdom in northern Greece into a globe-spanning empire and – in so doing – changed the course of history.
Critic Reviews
“PRAISE FOR ADRIAN GOLDSWORTHY : 'Goldsworthy brings a wonderful vitality to his subject; his account possesses an immediacy usually associated with contemporary history. The reader is treated to an enthralling view of a highly complex system of governance' The Times on Pax Romana . 'Adrian Goldsworthy is on top form with Pax Romana . Pointing out that war was virtually endemic in the ancient world, he explains clearly and persuasively how Rome was able to maintain the peace for such a long period' Peter Jones, on Pax Romana . 'Goldsworthy's true expertise is as a military historian and this is what really gives his biography its strength and bite: his depiction of Augustus's relationship with his legions is masterly' Robert Harris, on Caesar . 'Superb, unputdownable and scholarly' Simon Sebag Montefiore, on Augustus . 'Like Goldsworthy's biography of Julius Caesar, this is essential reading for anyone interested in Ancient Rome' Independent , on Augustus .”
As successful in meeting its ambitions as Philip's kingship, as sweeping as Alexander's conquests -- Tom Holland
Belongs on the (sturdy) shelf of any reader interested in military, political, or social history Minerva Magazine
By pairing the two giants of Macedonia, Goldsworthy helps the reader understand Alexander's life all the better, and sheds light on the achievements and character of Philip Aspects of History
Sterling scholarship, engaging prose, insightful analysis, and unbiased assessment -- Victor Davis Hanson
A gripping history that combined deep scholarship with readability... This is an epic history. Very much in the vein of the Tom Holland histories of empire, enjoyable and informative but also gripping' NB Magazine
Contributes significantly to making these scholarly developments accessible to a very wide audience, through engaging narratives which capture the political complexity of the Greek world both before and after Alexander. The major innovation of Goldsworthy's vivid Philip and Alexander is to pair Alexander's biography with that of his father, Philip II TLS
Adrian Goldsworthy takes a fresh approach to the well-worn tale, dealing with the gaps in our knowledge with candour and resisting the urge to fill them with speculation Military History Monthly
About the Author
Adrian Goldsworthy studied at Oxford, where his doctoral thesis examined the Roman army, and became an acclaimed historian of Ancient Rome. He is the author of numerous books, including Caesar, The Fall of the West, Pax Romana, and Hadrian's Wall.
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