Alexander the Great: Volume 2, Sources and Studies (Vol 2) [Paperback]

W. W. Tarn (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 11, 2003 | ISBN-10: 0521531373 | ISBN-13: 978-0521531375

Tarn's Alexander the Great, first published in 1948, has become a classic and its importance for subsequent Alexander studies can hardly be exaggerated. Based on a lifetime's work and elegantly and persuasively written, both volumes evoked immediate admiration - and very soon sharp reaction. Little has in fact appeared on Alexander over the last thirty years that has not been directly related to Tarn's book. Especially Volume II, with its detailed analysis of the sources and discussion of the main historical cruces - such as Cleitarchus' date, the status of the Greek cities, Alexander's deification, his supposed plans for a world-kingdom and the famous thesis that he sought to realise the 'brotherhood of mankind' - has itself inspired scores of books and articles. For the scholar both volumes are indispensable and their re-appearance is to be warmly welcomed.

Editorial Reviews

Book Description

Tarn's Alexander the Great, first published in 1948, has become a classic and its importance for subsequent Alexander studies can hardly be exaggerated. Based on a lifetime's work and elegantly and persuasively written, both volumes evoked immediate admiration - and very soon sharp reaction.

Product Details

• Paperback: 496 pages
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press (December 11, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0521531373
• ISBN-13: 978-0521531375
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.7 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,627,718 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Be careful when you buy this book (Volume 2, I mean), June 4, 2007

By 

Gianluca Bortini "di Rivarossa, Montebello, e... (New York, NY USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Alexander the Great: Volume 2, Sources and Studies (Vol 2) (Paperback)

Tarn is among the great scholars who have studied extensively the life of Alexandros III of Macedon. This is a book for scholars who are comfortable with Old Greek. Honestly, even if I am not a scholar myself I still know how to translate Old Greek, and am able to recognize (distinguish) the nuances of the Greek spoken in the Hellenistic period.

However, this book is authoritative; yes, certainly it is. The problem is that Amazon is selling only Volume II. Volume II serves as complement of Volume I, the biography and essay written by Tarn. Volume II backs up Tarn's exegesis, and is the place where to find the fragments that led Tarn to support his hypotheses. Volume II without volume I is kind of a pen without ink -- the pen will write again once that you have refilled it.

Last, but not least, I live and study Alexander often in a very subjective way. It is my fervent passion that leads me sometimes not to be objective. I belong to the current of the so-to-speak Apologetics, and am inclined to inflate Alexander's greatness and forget some of his biggest mistakes (or let's say, his non virtuous actions that characterize the last years of his short life). Generals as Alexander can be counted on the finger of one hand. He slept with the Ilias under his pillow - I sleep in a bedroom where there are hundred of books speaking about him. After all, we all have our weaknesses.........and please DO NOT buy this book (volume II) if you are not able to get ahold of Volume I. Thanks for reading!!