The thorough and riveting narrative of both Philip and Alexander’s lives and accomplishments makes this an ideal choice for the general reader, with some fresh insights to offer to those familiar with the subjects as well.
While occasionally a bit slow owing to the author's overreliance on extended quotes from his ancient sources, the book will be much appreciated by students of classical and military history.
Highly recommended for classical and military history fans. ["With limited source material, (Goldsworthy) constructs a plausible portrait of two practical romantics whose storied love followed the path of political advantage": LJ 9/1/10 review of the Yale Univ. hc.]
Because Goldsworthy must retell the history of the civil wars of the first century B.C.E., his book could easily be called Caesar, Antony and Cleopatra. With limited source material, he constructs a plausible portrait of two practical romantics whose storied love followed the path of political advantage. Unlike Stacy Schiff's Cleopatra, Goldsworthy's book is not packaged to attract readers of bodice rippers, but these two titles are probably more alike than different: good serious books, though not necessarily for scholars or specialists.