Quick Take

"Alexander's behavior was conditioned along certain lines -- heroism, courage, strength, superstition, bisexuality, intoxication, cruelty. He bestrode Europe and Asia like a supernatural figure." In this succinct portrait of Alexander the Great, distinguished scholar and historian Norman Cantor illuminates the personal life and military conquests of this most legendary of men. Cantor draws from the major writings of Alexander's contemporaries combined with the most recent psychological and cultural studies to show Alexander as he was -- a great figure in the ancient world whose puzzling personality greatly fueled his military accomplishments. He 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, the Greek and Persian worlds, 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, Norman Cantor's Alexander the Great is a psychological rendering of a man of his time.

Reader's Review

Book Review Summary: Alexander the Great: Journey to the End of the Earth

Introduction

Alexander the Great, one of history's most legendary figures, is the subject of Norman F. Cantor's book "Alexander the Great: Journey to the End of the Earth." In this succinct portrait, Cantor illuminates Alexander's personal life and military conquests, drawing from major writings of Alexander's contemporaries and recent psychological and cultural studies. Cantor explores Alexander's ambiguous relationship with his father, Philip II of Macedon, his oedipal involvement with his mother, 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 examines Alexander's view of himself in relation to the pagan gods of Greece and Egypt.

About Norman F. Cantor

Norman F. Cantor, a distinguished scholar and historian, is the author of "Alexander the Great: Journey to the End of the Earth." Born in Winnipeg, Canada, Cantor received his B.A. at the University of Manitoba in 1951. He went on to obtain his master's degree from Princeton University and spent a year as a Rhodes Scholar at the University of Oxford. Cantor received his doctorate from Princeton in 1957 under the direction of Joseph R. Strayer. Throughout his career, Cantor preferred to write on broad contours of Western history and on the lives and careers of eminent medievalists. His books generally received mixed reviews in academic journals but were popular bestsellers due to his fluid and colloquial writing style and his lively critiques of persons and ideas. Cantor was intellectually conservative and expressed deep skepticism about methodological fads, particularly Marxism and postmodernism.

Analysis of Views

Historical Context: Readers appreciate that Cantor provides a clear understanding of Alexander's historical context, including the political and cultural landscape of ancient Greece and Persia. This helps readers to comprehend Alexander's actions within their proper context.
Balanced Portrayal: Cantor's balanced portrayal of Alexander as both a brilliant military strategist and a flawed human being is praised by readers. He presents Alexander as a complex figure, acknowledging both his strengths and weaknesses.
Accessible Writing Style: Cantor's writing style is praised for being intelligent yet accessible. Readers find it engaging and easy to follow, making it suitable for those who are new to the subject or looking for a concise overview.
Clarity on Alexander's Influence: Many readers appreciate Cantor's ability to summarize Alexander's influence on history at the end of the book. This provides a clear understanding of how Alexander's actions impacted the world and shaped subsequent events.
Limited Insights: Some readers feel that Cantor's book does not offer any new insights or groundbreaking revelations about Alexander's life or conquests. They believe that there are other books that delve deeper into these aspects.
Lack of Focus on Military Strategy: A few readers express disappointment that Cantor spends less time discussing Alexander's military strategy and tactics, which they feel are essential to understanding his successes as a conqueror.

Reasons for Recommendation

Overview for Beginners: Readers recommend this book for those who want a brief overview of Alexander's life and accomplishments without delving into exhaustive detail. It serves as an excellent starting point for those seeking a general understanding of Alexander's story.
Balanced Portrayal: Cantor's balanced portrayal of Alexander as both a great military leader and a flawed individual is highly appreciated by readers. It provides a well-rounded perspective that complements other books on Alexander that focus more on his military prowess or his controversial actions.
Accessible Writing Style: Cantor's writing style is praised for its intelligence and accessibility, making it an enjoyable read for both scholars and general readers alike. The book is suitable for those who are new to the subject or looking for a concise introduction to Alexander's life and legacy.

Reasons for Not Recommendation

Limited Insights: Some readers feel that this book does not offer any new insights or groundbreaking revelations about Alexander's life or conquests. They believe that there are other books that delve deeper into these aspects and provide more comprehensive coverage.
Lack of Focus on Military Strategy: A few readers express disappointment that Cantor spends less time discussing Alexander's military strategy and tactics, which they feel are essential to understanding his successes as a conqueror. They believe that a more in-depth exploration of these aspects would enhance their overall understanding of Alexander's life and legacy.

Conclusion

"Alexander the Great: Journey to the End of the Earth" by Norman F. Cantor offers readers an engaging and accessible overview of Alexander the Great's life and conquests. While some readers feel that it does not provide any groundbreaking insights or explore military strategy in depth, others appreciate its balanced portrayal of Alexander as both a brilliant military strategist and a flawed human being. Cantor's writing style is praised for its intelligence and accessibility, making it suitable for both scholars and general readers alike. Overall, this book serves as an excellent starting point for those seeking a concise introduction to Alexander's life and legacy, particularly for those who want a broader understanding of his historical context and influence on history.