Customer Reviews

Alexander the Great (A Horizon Caravel Book)

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Alexander the Great is one of many volumes in the Horizon Caravel series of books. This series is a survey of key events and people in world history and is ideal for middle and high school students. This volume is an overview of the life and conquests of one of the great generals of antiquity. Much of the narrative is based on the works of Plutarch, Arrian, and Diodorus. The numerous anecdotes make for interesting reading. The book is also illustrated with many paintings, mosaics, sculptures, and maps of the period. Author Charles Mercer has done a good job of profiling not only Alexander, but also his father Philip and his mother Olympias. This account is well-balanced as it portrays Alexander's courage and sympathy as well as his temper and impetuosity. While I did like this book I would have liked some battle maps to supplement the narrative. Nevertheless, the editors of Horizon Caravel magazine have produced a concise and informative biography of the first world ruler to come from Europe.