Member-only story

The Age of Alexander: A Penguin Classics Review

Matthew Ward

·14.1k Followers· Follow

Published in The Age Of Alexander (Penguin Classics)

4 min read

82 View Claps

18 Respond

Save

Listen

Plutarch's The Age of Alexander is a fascinating and in-depth account of the life and times of Alexander the Great. First published in the first century AD, it is one of the most reliable primary sources on Alexander and his conquests. The Penguin Classics edition, translated by Ian Scott-Kilvert, is a well-respected and authoritative translation of this classic work.

Overview

The Age of Alexander is divided into two main sections. The first section, "The Life of Alexander," provides a chronological account of Alexander's life, from his birth in Pella, Macedonia in 356 BC to his death in Babylon in 323 BC. The second section, "The Parallels," compares Alexander to other great historical figures, such as Julius Caesar and Hannibal.

The Age of Alexander (Penguin Classics)

by Plutarch

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	6925 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	629 pages

Plutarch's account of Alexander's life is based on a variety of sources, including the writings of Alexander's generals and advisors. He provides a detailed and vivid account of Alexander's military campaigns, as well as his personal life and character. Plutarch's writing is clear and engaging, and he does an excellent job of bringing Alexander to life.

Plutarch's Portrayal of Alexander

Plutarch's portrayal of Alexander is complex and nuanced. He admires Alexander's military genius and his ability to inspire his men. However, he also criticizes Alexander for his ambition and his ruthless behavior. Plutarch suggests that Alexander was motivated by a desire for glory and that he was willing to do anything to achieve his goals.

Despite his criticisms, Plutarch clearly believes that Alexander was a great man. He writes that Alexander was "a man of extraordinary courage and energy, and of great intellectual power." He also notes that Alexander was "a lover of learning and a patron of the arts."

The Parallels

The second section of The Age of Alexander, "The Parallels," compares Alexander to other great historical figures. Plutarch compares Alexander to Julius Caesar, Hannibal, and Pyrrhus of Epirus. He examines their similarities and differences, and he tries to determine which figure was the greatest.

Plutarch's comparisons are insightful and thought-provoking. He argues that Alexander was the greatest of all the generals he compares him to. He notes that Alexander was undefeated in battle and that he conquered a vast empire in a short amount of time.

The Age of Alexander is a must-read for anyone interested in ancient history or military history. Plutarch's account of Alexander's life is fascinating and informative, and his comparisons of Alexander to other great historical figures are thought-provoking. The Penguin Classics edition is a well-respected and authoritative translation of this classic work.