By the time of his death in 323 B.C., Alexander III of Macedonia had built an empire that stretched from the eastern Mediterranean coast through Asia Minor and into the Indus valley. Even before his sudden death, Alexander had achieved mythical status throughout his kingdom, and in the centuries that followed his life became the subject of countless chronicles and biographies.

N. G. L. Hammond, the foremost expert on ancient Macedonian history, here presents a new account of Alexander's fabled career. Based on a thorough analysis of the ancient sources and enriched by a lifetime of research, Hammond's narrative pronounces the Macedonian conqueror a man truly deserving of the title Alexander the Great.

According to Hammond, Alexander was a visionary statesman and general, the force behind a kingdom which rose above racism and nationalism to enjoy peace and prosperity. His intellect and charismatic personality, which earned him the respect, admiration, and devotion of his subjects, also help explain Alexander's endurance as a source of fascination into the present day.

[A]n exciting book for the general reader.

Canadian Journal of History

[A] clearly written book, the distillation of a life's work.

Bernard Knox, Los Angeles Times Book Review

The articulate fashion in which Hammond guides the reader through Alexander's life is outstanding.

Library Journal

This is a classic study of one of history's great figures by the scholar who knows the most about him.

Publishers Weekly, starred review

Amateur military historians will be especially fascinated by the detailed reconstruction of the conqueror's battles, sieges and marches.

Washington Post Book World

A n exciting book for the general reader.

Canadian Journal of History

A clearly written book, the distillation of a life's work.

Bernard Knox, Los Angeles Times Book Review

Amateur military historians will be especially fascinated by the detailed reconstruction of the conqueror's battles, sieges and marches.

Washington Post Book World

[A] clearly written book, the distillation of a life's work.

Bernard Knox, Los Angeles Times Book Review

This is a classic study of one of history's great figures by the scholar who knows the most about him.

Publishers Weekly , starred review