Alexander's Art of Strategy by Parth Bose

[Anu]

Has anyone read this book 'Alexander the Great's art of strategy (published April/May 2003).It is an interesting book where the writer corelates Alexander's leadership and conquest strategies with today's business leaders.I am interested to know what other readers thought about it.thanks
Anu

[beausefaless]

I never read the book but I recall reading an article on Partha Bose and how he incorporated Alexander's strategies with modern corporate techniques but I must say Alexander was no saint, he was a god, there's a difference, which lots of people were led to believe and if you're a Bill Gates or a Michael Isner you may fire and hire anyone or thing you want and you'll have your company's full support as long as you keep you stock holders happy. The same was with Alexander for I've had pity for Hephaistion's physician after Hephaistion died and so on if you get my drift. It apeared to be a promotion for Partha's book in which I had no interest.

[Nicator]

Hello,It's funny that you posted on this book when you did, as I am also attempting to get something out of it at the present time. I stress "attempting", as the book is loaded with historical innaccuracies and useless business inuendo. In my opinion, it ranks high on the list of books on Alexander to avoid. It is also my opinion that those who try to compare Alexander with some modern business stalwart is trying to sell something on a false basis, as ATG is in a category by himself...unique in world history. I didn't know the premise when I ordered it from the library system, but after reading a couple of pages, my eyes quickly rolled over in gross irritance, this was quickly followed by a bout of literary nausea. I was further horrified by Pamela Thomas-Graham, President and CEO, of CNBC who gave a review on the back of the book and states "Riveting...Indispensable." (I wonder what she'd think about a real book on Alexander?). From a different point of view, if you like business books, and history, then why not read it...at least you will get something entertaining (if not totally useless) for your time. But if you have any intelligence, then it wouldn't take to great a leap to get a decent cut-throat business education from reading Peter Green's "Alexander of Macedon, 356-323 B.C." Using this approach, you won't have to sift through all that useless, over-glorified, puffed up, hype about todays soft, fat and happy, coffee swilling, Lexus driving, paper pushers...just good, pure, mean, lean, clean and ruthless Alexander from beginning to end. Have a nice day, and Merry Christmas...Nick

[kris]

Have you read the book concerning Alexander written by Robin Lane Fox? It is a great book, probably one of the greatest ever written on the topic, for Fox starts from scratch in his search for the motives of, and actions made by Alexander. The book is very thorough and in it, Fox leaves very few paths of investigation untread. I have read other peaces, not many, about Alexander but they all seemed to focus on the glorification and po+½try of some long lost time. In this book I have found out what probably realy happened, and how it must have been to serve duty in the greatest militarian journeys of all times.

[Nicator]

Hi Kris,I have read some (maybe a 100 pages or so) of Robin Lane Fox's book called "In Search of Alexander". I found a mistake in the section dealing with Guagamela, and lost interest in further reading. That's the way it is for me, if I find a mistake or something innaccurate, the book loses credibility, and I have a hard time continuing with it regardless of the stature of the author. There were many beautiful pictures though, and if nothing else, I highly recommend the book for those full color pics. If you can, try to get it with its companion book, which contains many additional pics of objects associated with Alexander and descriptions of the objects portrayed. Most of our regulars have been through most of Fox's books though, and I'm sure they would be glad to comment on them in detail. later Nicator

[Peter Rose]

I have read the book. It's a really interesting and thorough assessment of ATG's strengths and weaknesses, and the ways his strategies and tactics have shaped the modern world. It received several recommendations from classicists and historians, but it is a book about military, political, and business strategy as well as a book about the history of ATG and the times he lived in.Peter