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Alexander at the World's End

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Alexander at the World's End is the nostalgic biography of Alexander the Great, as described by someone who had been a minor character but a constant observer in Alexander's life. As in Olympiad and The Walled Orchard, Holt writes in a first person voice which tells history as a real life but whose tone and character makes the history immediate. You don't need to know anything about Alexander, it'll teach what little you need to know and make you want to know much more about the characters it portrays. This book is written from the end of a life, about a man who died young and those who lived after. It is nostalgic, but wonderfully funny.

Alexander at the World's end pokes a very sharp satirical wit at ancient Greece, targeting, in particular, Athens, Alexander the Great and philosophy in a manner that is exhilarating.
This is the story of Euxenus, whom we find reminiscing at the end of his life to Phryzeutzis about his life, his philosophy and the nature of fate.
Euxenus was one of seven brothers who find themselves parentless in the Athenian democracy just after the expulsion of the Thirty Tyrants and coinciding with the birth of Alexander. Having each been farmed out to the worst teachers in their professions (in Euxenus' case to Diogenes the Yapping Dog philosopher) Euxenus finds himself on the wrong end of a white pebble, disinherited and starting his own successful DIY prophecy business. After nine years of moving up in the philosophy circles our erstwhile hero finds himself part of an Athenian delegation to Philip II of Macedon who has just seen fit to storm the city of Olynthus. A subsequent opportune meeting with the young Alexander and a delightful educational episode involving bees leads to his appointment as a tutor to the future military great. After his acceptance in the Macedonian military household we follow as the `Athenian wizard' and his snake in a jar (which Alexander makes come true) starts to educate the Macedonian prince and his entourage to open their minds. The irony is that, for a man who mocks Aristotle as much as Euxenus does (and the story of the mythical town at the end of the world ending in Aristotle's public humiliation is hilarious) his logic is remarkably peripatetic.
By mid-book, Euxenus finds himself on the receiving end of olive stones fate as Philip orders him to be the oceia (founder) of the new colony of Olbia on the Black Sea. Setting off with his new and angry wife, Theano they arrive at the intended site and Euxenus is forced to experience the administrative problems of leading a group settling on land near an annoyed Scythian tribe with all its tribulations. Inadvertent raids, a suspected affair between wife and merchant-friend Tyrsenius and getting the colony up and running take us through the next ten years as his son grows alongside our erstwhile hero. Meanwhile, Philip II dies after Charonea and Alexander assumes the throne. Eventually they manage to self-produce their own alcohol thus giving them a good reason to name their city officially - Antolbia. During the celebration an open city gate allows a band of Scythians to storm the city, killing many founders and Euxenus' son. The repercussions are enormous as Theano leaves and the Antolbians finally destroy the neighbouring village. Euxenus leaves for Athens and on his arrival back home learns of the sack and destruction of Antolbia.
After attempting to become the perfect farmer he suddenly finds himself on the receiving end of orders from Alexander to be the oceist for the city of Sogdania and during his trip to the city comes across his surviving brother Eudaemon, breaking his leg in the process.
During the course of one evening as Eudaemon is laid up, he explains to Euxenus why the latter has messed his life up so much simply by association and how Yapping Dog philosophy has so greatly shaped Alexander's ideology to the point that Euxenus the Philosopher is now the second most renowned man in the Empire. Eudaemon goes through his appointment as Keeper of the Bees, to the siege of Tyre all the while under the influence of mind-altering drugs in an attempt to combat the effect of bee stings to his ironic destiny as saviour of Alexander whilst attempting his assassination. It is a faultless exercise in how ideologies can be rooted in persuasion rather than genuine theory as, in a magnificent irony, Euxenus finds his offhand philosophy has shaped and affected an entire world.
By the end Euxenus finishes his tired autobiography to Phryzeutzis whilst sitting in Sogdania reinforces the underlying premise of the book that "Alexander was a force of nature. He was a force of history" that was guided by Yapping Dog philosophy. Holt's grasp of his subject matter is key to turning this subject into an extremely sharp piece of wit. His grasp of Athenian politics, Macedonian history and both the Greek language and philosophy means that the text is littered with subtle nuances and pokes neat fun at ancient philosophy in an endearing attempt to humanize legendary characters. This is a magnificent effort from Holt's pen and well worth the time to read.

In between more graduate level academic books on St. Augustine and for context, the contention of religions and philosophies, the fall of the Roman Empire, the beginning of Hellenism beginning with Alexander ... whew, such a lot of ground to cover, it helps to relax with a good, relevant historical novel. Academic Alexander in my studies began with Paula Fredriksen's "Augustine and the Jews: A Christian Defense of Jews and Judaism." As far as I can tell with only one semester of research into Alexander, Holt's novel is quite accurate. He brings in a lot of fact, cleverly hidden in amusing scenarios that surprise you into laughing out loud, a real sign of talent in my book. Theories and background on history, philosophy, sociology, politics, art, religion - he covers a lot of territory and does it very well. Highly recommended.

"Alexander at the World's End," while exceedingly interesting at times and, overall, very well written, is painful to read in certain instances due to its historical blunders.

To give forth a brief summary, the tale follows the life and journey of an Athenian titled Euxenes. He shifts through several phases throughout his life, from cheat, philosopher, teacher, and more while crossing paths with men such as Phillip II of Macedon and his son, Alexander the Great.

The story itself revolves around Euxenus and his personal experiences, whereas his meetings with famous historical figures are only stops along the route, not the entire impetus. However, to start with the book's strengths, Euxenus himself, and the other fictional characters created (such as his family and others he meets) are exceedingly interesting, if not always likable. Very well developed, one becomes drawn into their lives with a little coaxing, and the story is at its best when Euxenus is at his fictional adventures, such as founding a colony. The writing in such instances is exciting and laudable, and brings great strength to the book itself.

However, it is where he begins illustrating historical figures that Holt's novel stumbles. To be fair, ancient history simply is very subjective, unfortunately, in the personalities and appearances of its figures. No one can truly say how Alexander of Macedon looked, whether he was fair and dark haired, etc. And again, no one can completely attest to his personality. Still, what one has to work with are the stories left behind that we do have to study and what they accomplished. Logic and personal preference do the rest.

As a lover of history and one with a great passion for Alexander the Great, I picked up this story due to its association with him. I suppose that is why I did not enjoy the tale as some others might, for I find Holt's depiction of Alexander, to be frank, awful and without a foundation in fact. The king and conqueror is frankly a silly figure in many respects here, and his ideas and beliefs, even the subject of his affections, is all attributed to a fictional character, the Euxenus who tells the tale. This is simply not true, and Alexander's persona contradicts much of what is in fact known about him. It is also rather irritating and, honestly, gutsy to have your fictional protagonist the subject of intense adoration by a famous historical figure and the reason for all his greatest thoughts and accomplishments. It doesn't add up, and it's really rather annoying.

Some of the other historical figures, such as Queen Olympias, are also simplified or knocked down a few pegs in many ways, which is disappointing for the history-lover who picks up this book. I can understand Holt's attempt to strip the myth from the people, and in some cases, he manages to succeed rather well, such as with many of the philosophers. However, in certain cases, especially Alexander, it becomes painful to turn each page.

On a lesser note, another quality of the book that is unappreciated is its use of common phrasing and curses. I understand that the story is told in the English language, and the true historical terms are impossible to place, but using such mundane catchphrases and profanity cheapens the work, forcing it toward the modern instead of the ancient. It takes away from the writing, even though it is witty and poignant at many different points.

I feel that this novel can appeal to many people. The lovers of literature and historical fiction alike will find something to love here. To be honest, I adored the middle of the tale a great deal. However, to those who want characterizations truly based on facts provided, there will be many cases where the novel lets the reader down. Also, if one cannot stand inserted-characters becoming bloated with self-importance that is not sustained by history, this novel will also be difficult in parts.

And please, that is not to say that one should not experiment with history in literature, play with the "what-if"s that often tip-toe through our trains of thought. However, it must be handled well, otherwise it simply comes across as purely fanciful and self-indulging, as happens here at times.

Still, I would recommend it, for certain chapters are amazing in the writing and the tale they tell. Simply be prepared to struggle through those rough patches that really diminish the quality of this story.