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Hi Companions -A complicated message. Part 1.I updated our books to read top 10. Bosworth's book has risen to # 4, making poor old Curtius tumble to # 5. I think it's a pity. I like Bosworth, but I also like to see the Ancients high up the charts. Also: Don Engels is back. (I think it's too specialist but, hey, it's a democracy here.) Green has been driven out of the top 10. (I regret that.)Part 2.What do we really think about Bosworth? I mean - he is on # 4 in the top 10 and the only comments I have ever received are like "I don't like him much". Please answer this call for opinions. What do we really like about Bosworth's book?Part 3.Many strange messages pop up in the Forum. Please remember: if you feel insulted, or if you feel a certain message really doesn't belong here - e-mail me directly. I will delete inappropriate messages as soon as I can. I don't feel the need to decide upon that entirely on my own - so those who want to sound the alarm bell, please do so.Best regards -
Nick

Hi Nick,I don't know about the others, but I'm not anti-Bosworth at all. I feel that he's often determined to find the worst in Alexander, but then again it's a refreshing reaction to those who refuse to see anything but the best in him.When I was at university "Conquest and Empire" had just come out, and so it was a bit of a standard text for us to use, being so new and so contra-Hammond! So I have a great affinity with the book... and I enjoy his style, too.All the bestMarcus

Hmm. For the sorry it is hard to say anything about Bosworth... It is almost impossible to buy his books here in Eastern Europe... Moreover, they are not available in the library.
But regarding the moderating- I think it is ok (thank You!). Almost all of the messages, appearing here with some insulting themes, are deleted as soon as they appear.

The only reason I recommend Conquest and Empire as a book is that Bosworth most of the time merely echoes the history rather than adding his opinion to it :-)Bosworth has a lot of clout because of his placement with Oxford Publishing, but his value as an Alexander historian is suspect because his writing is peppered with modern viewpoints. I have stated often on this forum that judging those of the ancient world using the morals of the modern one is a waste of good time and paper. His account of the battle with Porus, well, that about says it all if one has any understanding of ancient warfare.Regards,TreThat's not to say Bosworth doesn't come up with something interesting from time to time, but overall, I think Heckel is far closer to the reality.

Hi Nick,I like Bos, but so far have not been able to get all the way through his "Conquest and Empire". Part of the problem is extreme boredom with his writing style. His lack of understanding and appreciation of Alexander's battle tactics is also a big downer. However, he seems to fill in the grey areas between battles better than most and with less bias. If I had $20 to spend on a book and the choice was between Bos and Green, I'm afraid it would be Green hands down. Though, Green is biased in the extreme and favors the conspiracy theory whenever possible, his style is fast paced, interesting, and unique. His viewpoints are important for these reasons alone, but he also includes a nice background to Philip and the Royal line before Alexander. Bosworth almost avoids what happened before entirely. My opinion is that Bosworth doesn't belong that high on the top ten list, but should probably be on the list, nonetheless. Now for your second issue, as for the moderating, I can't complain too much because you're doing something that has to be done, and nobody else seems to be stepping up to the challenge. Your style is appreciated in that you are more willing to give the benefit of the doubt when someone borders on lunacy. For that I commend you! There have, however, been more than a few times when you could almost hear the collective moan of us "oldtimers" when someone trashes Alexander. I think sometimes you could be a little more discerning when someone gets too vituperative on ATG, afterall this is "HIS HOME" on the web. I wouldn't allow someone into my home and then let him trash me or anyone else I care about. If for no other reason, it cheapens the discussion, the webpage, and accomplishes nothing. later Nicator

You said:"The only reason I recommend Conquest and Empire as a book is that Bosworth most of the time merely echoes the history rather than adding his opinion to it ,but his value as an Alexander historian is suspect because his writing is peppered with modern (morals) viewpoints". Barely sixty million people out of four hundred million vote during presidential elections but the politicians will use minority of the people, (the majority of the sixty million that vote) as"the people have spoken", it's what the people want. I don't believe modern morals are in the majority of the people. Therefore I must stand up for Bosworth and say his opinion on Alexander has value. I will continue to add confusion to your mind. Oxford Publishing, just think if Cecil J. heard me say, road scholar, his eyebrows would imbed on the top part of his forehead for using such a poor metaphor but since he's long gone your eyebrows will do, hey, I'm having fun! Maybe, if you use Heckel enough, it might make it into the dictionaries. I'm ready for my lesson now. My writing skills pale compared to yours so why don't you write a book and get ready, for there's always room for more critics.

Andrew:If you want to discuss in detail why I don't find Bosworth's scholarship regarding Alexander particularly useful, I am more than willing to discuss it. I never said he didn't have a right to his opinion, I just don't buy into it, although some of his work on Arrian is interesting.As for your last paragraph, if you treat people with the same respect as you seem to think you deserve, you will be accorded it. It has been my experience that those who like to dish out insults, don't take it very well in return, they bleed profusely. I am more than aware I hit a sore spot with the Road Scholar remark, but you were leading with your chin on that one, trying to insult another as to their intelligence. Never be predictible Andrew, but always be 'genuinely' polite (you know what I mean), and in any argument you will always accord yourself gracefully and be taken seriously. You are capable of so much more than what you show trying to cast out a lure to see what you can reel back. Alas, I have no desire to unsheath the sword with you today. You are clearly intelligent so why not contribute some more of that.Regards,Tre

I do have admiration for your writing talent and I'm sure you've earned it but sometimes I just can't help myself, I realize I have lot's to learn and I hope I'll live long enough to do so. I thank you for the lesson, take care,Andrew