pothos.org

Hi,I've just read an article which was published in the "Guardian" newspaper. Here is the link http://books.guardian.co.uk/reviews/bio ... 34,00.html.
It covers four recent books about Alexander and I thought it was interesting, especially the reviewer's comments that our modern world can't cope with heroes.Cheers,Kate

Yeeeees ...I liked the quote: "It is misleading of Doherty and Cartledge to ascribe modern delusional states such as "paranoia" and "megalomania" to Alexander."It's certainly misleading for anyone to think that any book on Alexander by Paul Doherty merits attention.I had a look at the Foreman book a little while ago and I thought it was probably quite good - although a luxury rather than required reading. The illustrations were indeed very nice; although the Guardian writer seems to think it's a coup to succeed in getting pictures of Siwa. Er ... perhaps he doesn't realise how easy it is to get there these days.All the bestMarcus

I read the article as well. I thought it was a good one, particularly the hero issue - we like our heroes to be modest, and we are frightened by those who want power. Funnily enough. But we still respect and admire excellence, I think, although perhaps the media doesn't promote this as much as celebrity.Linda

It is a good article and indeed especially because of the assessment of ancient heroism. On the other hand, I don't know whether one can simply say "We are no longer prepared to accept this". It might rather be that we no longer need heroes like Alexander in our own society (like the circumstances in our society have also changed the way many people need religion).A few other things seemed strange to me:"By comparison with his drunken father, Philip, or his predecessor, the Persian king Darius, who kept 365 concubines and went to battle with a platoon of pastry chefs, Alexander seems relatively ascetic and level-headed."So apparently Alexander was only drinking water? Moreover, Jona repeatedly pointed out on this forum that there is no eastern evidence for Darius' 365 Concubines."It is not megalomania to imagine yourself a world historical figure of unparalleled wealth, power and success, when you are."No, but aiming at conquest of the whole world is.regards,abm

"the Persian king Darius,...who went to battle with a platoon of pastry chefs,"That had to be the food fight to end all! ;-)Cheers for giving me the best laugh of the day,Halil