"Alexander, Killer of Men"

[kate]

Hi,This post is mainly for Marcus. I just wanted to say that I followed his advice about a good book to read on warfare and bought a copy of "Alexander, Killer of Men". I haven't got very far yet, only bought it today, but it seems well-written. Actually, I picked it up second-hand - we have a very good second-hand bookshop here in St Albans which has an excellent history section. They had copies of other books on Alexander too, including Paul Doherty's (sp?) newish book about Alexander being murdered - can't remember the exact title. However, I think this one was given the thumbs down on Pothos. Anyone read it? Is it worth buying? Also, is he is the same guy who writes murder mystery novels about Alexander - I read a couple of these and wasn't impressed.Cheers,Kate

[marcus]

Hi Kate,Glad you're enjoying the Lonsdale book. I haven't read the Doherty book myself - I was so dismayed by Graham Phillips' attempt on the same subject that I couldn't face wasting more money on another of the same ilk. I know a couple of Pothosians have bitten the bullet and read it ... haven't heard anything particularly good so far. (Apparently most of the book is taken up with quotations from the legitimate sources, so you might as well read those ... although how, using them, he comes to the conclusion that Ptolemy killed Alexander, is a mystery to me - then again, having read his Al-based detective stories I wouldn't put anything past him, except good literary style and historical accuracy.)All the bestMarcus

[jan]

I, too, enjoyed reading Killer of Men. Tactics and strategies. Very interesting presentation and easily understood.