Alexander the Great cover art

Alexander the Great

Journey to the End of the Earth

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Alexander the Great

By: Norman F. Cantor
Narrated by: Bronson Pinchot
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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

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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)
All stars
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Changed the way I looked at Alexander’s career and triumphs
Great listen well worth it

Fascinating

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Although it took a while to get used to the reader’s monotone voice, the content was engaging enough to ensure perseverance. It was well worth continuing to the end of the book (if not the Earth). This is a succinct review of Alexander’s motivation, achievements and errors and an interesting assessment of how Great he was, and of his place in world history.

Clear (and short) analysis of a ‘great’ life

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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 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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Well researched, very informative. Easy to listen, consists mainly of verified events. Avoids hypothesising on them.

A must for history buffs.

Very good

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Not what you might expect, tells the story of Alexander in context and in a realistic way rather than hero worship. Informative and enjoyable, personally I found it a bit fast and had to go back and listen to bits, but that might just be me.

Fast paced story behind the story

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In the first chapter the narrator changed speed pitch and tone at random points. Settling on what sounded suitable for a Disney portrayal of an epic story.
I couldn’t carry on, pleased I didn’t use a credit.
Woeful.

Abysmal narration

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learnt a lot, easy to listen to and well presented without too much 'opinion'. Good chapter headings meant I could follow the direction.

Alexander the man

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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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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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