Alexander the Great

The Making of a Myth

Richard Stoneman

$122.95

Hardback

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English

British Library Publishing
19 January 2023

History; Ancient history: to c 500 CE

Accompanying the first ever exhibition on the storytelling around Alexander the Great, King of Macedon, this book charts the evolution of a legend that continues to captivate audiences today.

Alexander the Great acceded to the throne at the age of 20, as king of the ancient Greek kingdom of Macedon. By his death in 323 BC, he had created one of the largest empires in the world – but myth proved more powerful than historical truth, and Alexander’s life remains lost in legend.

These stories permeate western and eastern cultures and religions, and have endured for more than 2,000 years. Even now, Alexander continues to appeal to new generations and his image persists today in film, theatre, literature and even video games.

This book explores the stories that began shortly after Alexander’s mysterious death, and that by the Middle Ages had developed into a narrative of Alexander as the all-conquering hero who fought mythical beasts and explored the unknown using submarines and flying chariots. These incredible legends are brought to life here with exquisite original illustrations in books and manuscripts from around the globe.

Edited by: Richard Stoneman
Imprint: British Library Publishing
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
Dimensions: Height: 280mm, Width: 220mm,
ISBN: 9780712354769
ISBN 10: 071235476X
Pages: 304
Publication Date: 19 January 2023
Audience: General/trade , ELT Advanced
Format: Hardback
Publisher's Status: Active

Richard Stoneman is the author of many scholarly and trade works in the field of Greek history. Formerly Consultant to the Everyman Library on Classics, he is globally acknowledged as the foremost expert on the myths of Alexander.