T.A. Dodge, The Art of Warfare

[jan]

I must admit that I appreciate the book review section very much. I am reading Dodge's book which is at times simply pages of Arrian reprinted. But I appreciate the commentary that Nick Welman presented. The book that I have includes many illustrations and has a golden cover of an ideal Alexander. I especially enjoyed the chapter on Philip and notice that he too does not believe that Alexander had a hand in his murder. But a review on Green's book intrigued me because of its mentioning the discussion of the murder that might implicate Alexander. I really value the comments in the reviews as they help to give an insight into how to approach the reading material.Naturally, I appreciated the fact that Dodge seems to feel that the Battle of Issus is a very important battle and it revealed a word that touched me. He said that Alexander had had the courage to make the gambler's move, and would not shrink (praphrased my way) in his performance. The word shrink caught my attention. I had never understood why it is that Oliver Stone seems to associate Alexander with JFK until I read this particular statement. Now I get it.

[beausefaless]

Dear Jan,I have respect for Dodge, he did some amazing research on ancient military when information was not so easily accessible. However I disagree with his thought on the gambler's move at Issus. The reckless gambler's move and would not shrink sort of speak was no doubt at the river Ganicus. Alexander had to have been a little disappointed with Parmenion for allowing himself to be pushed all the way back against the Hellespont. One of the very few planed strategies at this battle was the sound of the trumpets. The real chess game began when Darius had enough of this little fly (Alexander) laying his maggots over the western part of his empire. Darius's movements were brilliant at first but it was Alexander that had the final say as to where and when this battle would be fought. The Battle of Issus was completely planed by Alexander and for it to work he needed the phalanx and Parmenion to hold long enough so Alexander could put the anvil and hammer to effect which they did. It was a masterpiece of brilliance and Alexander knew by choosing the time and place Darius would not have been able to implement his army to the fullest because of the topical terrain and ocean.Regards, Andrew

[jan]

Thank you, Andrew. I noticed a statement that Dodge made to the effect that it is the battle of Issus that intensifies the belief that Alexander is a god. That struck me as being pertinent too. Since he does make so much of the difference in size of the troops, stating that Darius III is probably overconfident because of the numbers and size of his troops, it is probably true that a defeat of that magnitude would re-enforce the idea that Alexander is a god. Only a divine power could have been so successful against such odds.

[amyntoros]

Or a human being with a brilliant mind who was also an incredible strategist!:-)Amyntoros