Alexander the Great: A Life in Legend

Alexander the Great's legend spread across cultures, religious traditions, and distant nations, representing the heroic ideal and embodying Hellenistic concerns, Roman ideas on tyranny and kingship, and the heroic ideal. This book provides the definitive account of his legends, tracing his influence in ancient literature and folklore and in later literatures of east and west.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 352 pages
Publication date: 13 December 2022
Publisher: Yale University Press

Alexander the Great, the legendary military genius who conquered the known world, left an indelible mark on history. Even after his passing, his legend continued to grow and resonate across diverse cultures, religious traditions, and distant nations. In this captivating and visually stunning book, renowned expert Richard Stoneman presents a comprehensive collection of hundreds of captivating Alexander legends that have been passed down through generations worldwide.

Beginning with the historical Alexander, Stoneman delves into the legendary Alexander, a mythic icon who embodied the heroic ideal in cultures ranging from Egypt to Iceland, from Britain to Malaya. Alexander's influence extended far beyond his time, shaping Roman ideas on tyranny and kingship, captivating fourth-century pagans, and becoming a hero of chivalry in the early Middle Ages. He appeared in Jewish, Christian, and Islamic writings, often portrayed as a prophet of God. Whether engaging in epic battles against winged foxes or encountering the Amazons, descending into the underworld or inventing the world's first diving bell, Alexander's extraordinary adventures and deeds inspired awe and admiration as a hero, even a god.

Stoneman meticulously traces the influence of Alexander's legend in ancient literature, folklore, and subsequent literatures of the East and West. His book serves as the definitive account of the legends surrounding Alexander the Great, a powerful leader in his lifetime and an even more influential figure in the realm of literature and ideas. Through his meticulous research and engaging storytelling, Stoneman invites readers to explore the rich tapestry of myths and legends that have shaped our understanding of this remarkable historical figure.

Weight: 748g
Dimension: 197 x 127 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780300270068