Alexander the Great : Lives and Legacies

Author: Harrison, Stephen

Persian Empire

Published on 1 June 2025 by REAKTION BOOKS in the United Kingdom as part of 'the Great Lives of the Ancient World' series.

Hardback | 240 pages, 20 illustrations
216 x 138 | 0g

This book offers a fresh perspective on the reign of Alexander the Great. It re-examines Alexander’s military victories and personality, while also exploring the impact of his campaigns on the people he conquered. Alexander’s story, Stephen Harrison argues, is one that includes the vital roles that other figures played in historical events. By considering the social and intellectual currents of the last two decades, Harrison highlights how changing contemporary experiences shape historical interpretations. Moving beyond polarized debates about Alexander, he provides a nuanced discussion of Alexander’s achievements and impact. The book presents an Alexander for the twenty-first century, offering new insights into how and why historical interpretations of him have changed.