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If you’ve ever wanted to learn more about Alexander The Great including some of his past experiences and skill as a leader, there are a number of excellent books to start your research. In this article, were going to detail some of the best books that you can get your hands on about Alexander The Great. Be sure to check out these books to further your knowledge of one of the most important historical figures the world has ever known.
What are the Best Alexander The Great Books to read?
The number of books that we surveyed study Alexander The Great from a number of different perspectives. You can learn more about the way that he was as a tactician, his history as well as gain insight into his lifestyle. It is possible that you may not know much on the details of Alexander The Great and some of his upbringing, these books can help to fill in some of the blanks on his lifestyle and help you understand what made him into the man he became.
Best Alexander The Great Books: Our Top 20 Picks
Here are some of the best Alexander The Great books that you can consider to expand your knowledge on the subject:
1. The Storm Before the Storm
The Storm before the storm is a story about the beginning of the end of the Roman Republic. Written by Mike Duncan who serves as the author and narrator for the audio book, this novel explores some of the most remarkable achievements in the history of civilization through the Roman Republic.
With its founding throughout 509 B.C.E., the Republic system was a cooperative government but a series of peaceful transfers. The early stages of this government in 133 to 80 BC was a tale of bloody battles and serves as a stark warning of a grim political climate. Learning more about the beginning and the end of the Roman Republic means studying great figures like Alexander The Great who is covered in this novel.
- Authors: Mike Duncan (Author)
- Publisher: PublicAffairs; 1st Edition (October 24, 2017)
- Pages: 352 pages
2. The Virtues of War: A Novel of Alexander the Great
The virtues of war is a novel on Alexander The Great produced by Stephen press field. This examination of Alexander The Great examines his life as a soldier and the way that he was able to expand his leadership through his knowledge of working as a soldier.
This is a true story of survivorship including his many battles and the brutal assassination of his father. With details on some of the hardships that Alexander faced, we can see the motivations that drove him to conquer new lands. The Virtues war even insiders look on the lifestyle of Alexander as a soldier. As told from a close perspective, this is the journey of Alexander from soldier to a leader of men. This book can provide some unique perspective on his career and the way he developed.
- Authors: Steven Pressfield (Author)
- Publisher: Broadway; 1st edition (October 19, 2004)
- Pages: 368 pages
3. Alexander the Great
Philip Freeman created his own authoritative biography on Alexander The Great that was written for a general audience. Taking a twist on his first traditional biography on Alexander The Great, this biography explores more the impact that Alexander The Great had on history as well as the shaping of a civilization.
With his image found on Greek coins as far east as Afghanistan, the reach of Alexander The Great was mighty and this novel explains more on that reach and what made his 32 year lifespan so powerful. This general audience interpretation of Alexander the great works as a direct timeline of his various accomplishments and helps to showcase some of the changes that he was able to make in government and as a conqueror. Discover how he rose to power and how he was able to affect change across the world.
- Authors: Philip Freeman (Author)
- Publisher: Simon & Schuster (October 18, 2011)
- Pages: 416 pages
4. Alexander the Great
This Alexander The Great book by Philip Freeman studies the inquisitive mind that would serve Alexander The Great throughout his rule over Greece and throughout each of his military campaigns. As a boy that was born into a royal family in Macedonia, we can learn more about his upbringing in this novel as well as its how his inquiring mind was able to plan conquests throughout Egypt and the world.
Philip Freeman included an audio version of this novel as narrated by Michael page and it is one of the best unabridged biographies and memoirs on Alexander The Great. If you have ever been curious to find out more about the mind and inner workings of Alexander the Great, this is a book that you should highly consider as a starting point.
- Authors: Philip Freeman (Author)
- Publisher: Simon & Schuster; First Edition (January 4, 2011)
- Pages: 416 pages
5. Ghost on the Throne: The Death of Alexander the Great and the Bloody Fight for His Empire
Ghost Throne by Alexander The Great is a look into the bloody fight over his empire and the way that he died at just the age of 32. Within empire that stretched from the Adriatic Sea all the way to modern-day India, the Bloody Empire focuses in on the many aspects of Alexander The Great that have been previously unknown.
Managing his infant son, working with a mentally damaged half brother and dealing with the assassination of his father were all challenges he faced in his lifestyle. James Romm examines more than the Empires under Alexander but also the general himself. This book is a perfect perspective surrounding the empires that Alexander formed and the way that he faced challenges as he pushed further into his career.
- Authors: James Romm (Author)
- Publisher: Vintage; Illustrated Edition (November 13, 2012)
- Pages: 416 pages
6. Alexander the Great
Alexander The Great by Robin Lane Fox is a fearless and intense look at the adventure and conquest that Alexander The Great would have taken on threat his vast empire expansion. Detailing his road to expansion up until his death in 323 B.C.E. at 32, we discover how Alexander The Great was able to expand an empire into 2,000,000 mi.² from Greece to India.
Learn more about his leadership style as well as the 18 new cities that he founded. This book details more on the cities that Alexander shaped and not so much on the man himself. The book is an expiration of the way that he expanded his empire and the various cities that he formed. If you have ever been curious as to what it would be like to live in a world dominated by conquerors or live in a city as conquered by Alexander the great, this is an excellent book to pick up.
- Authors: Robin Lane Fox (Author)
- Publisher: Penguin; Tie-In ed. Edition (October 5, 2004)
- Pages: 592 pages
7. The Nature of Alexander
The nature of Alexander is a book by Mary Renault that expands upon her acclaimed biographical research on Alexander The Great. As the previous author of fire from heaven and a Persian boy, Renault expands on her knowledge of Alexander to continue showcasing a life behind the battles and leadership.
This is a true psychological rendering of the man that was and a completely unique perspective on Alexander The Great. This perspective examines more on the mind of the leader rather than his deeds.
- Authors: Mary Renault (Author)
- Publisher: Pantheon; Illustrated Edition (November 12, 1979)
- Pages: 276 pages
8. The Dividing the Spoils: The War for Alexander the Great’s Empire (Ancient Warfare and Civilization)
Dividing the spoils is a novel about Alexander The Great empire including experts on ancient warfare and civilization. Created by Robin Waterfield, this book goes into details on the empire stretching conqueror that was Alexander The Great.
Following his footsteps including the years of war and adventure, we are able to see the path that Alexander The Great took to reach his status of glory. With an in-depth look on the many schemes and tactics that were used to help him rise to power, this is a unique look at what Alexander The Great would have to go to in order to spread his reach. This in-depth academic look dives deeper into how Alexander formed ancient civilizations and how he was able to so quickly conquer. If you are interested in seeing a window into the life of a conquering general, this is an excellent book to consider.
- Authors: Robin Waterfield (Author)
- Publisher: Oxford University Press; Illustrated Edition (November 1, 2012)
- Pages: 304 pages
9. Alexander the Great
Alexander The Great is a book published by Demi and designed for young readers. With a series of illustrative photos inside there are details of Alexander The Great conquering of India as well as his ongoing supremacy.
Alexander’s policies are explored here as well as some of the history of conquering these lands. His full life is detailed over the course of this book and a chronicling of the 12 years that he spent conquering new lands. This is an excellent way to gain perspective on this ancient leader as well as explore some of the ancient teachings of leadership that Alexander The Great had to offer. This is the perfect option for many young readers with its hearty illustrations and easy to read paragraph styles.
- Authors: Demi (Author)
- Publisher: Two Lions; Illustrated Edition (September 1, 2010)
- Pages: 64 pages
10. Alexander the Great and the Logistics of the Macedonian Army
Donald W Engels create his own first edition examination of the logistics of the Macedonian army. There’ve been multiple studies into the battle formations and tactics is used by Alexander The Great but this archaeological work as completed by the University of California examines Alexander’s strategic decisions as well as the many options that were opened Alexander The Great throughout his battle plans. Choosing a perspective of examination on what brought this ancient army to life explores battle tactics in a creative new way.
If you are seeking a more in-depth academic view of the logistics associated with commanding an army, this is a book to consider. The way that it portrays tactics and the in-depth research that was completed for this book can help you to see more into the military mind of Alexander the great and the various ways that he would’ve been responsible for managing his army.
- Authors: Donald W. Engels (Author)
- Publisher: University of California Press; First Edition (December 29, 1980)
- Pages: 208 pages
11. The Campaigns of Alexander (Penguin Classics)
The campaigns of Alexander in Penguin Classics is a book that was authored by Arrian and edited by J.R. Hamilton. The original work was produced 400 years after Alexander’s death with a detail of the campaigns of Alexander.
This is one of the most reliable accounts of the achievements of Alexander through Arrians own experiences which were translated and recorded. This is a complete work detailing the campaigns through India, Babylon and Egypt. Gain an unprecedented look at Alexander as a charismatic leader and unparalleled conqueror. This remains one of the best authorities on the many campaigns and details surrounding the expansion of Alexander the great’s empire.
- Authors: Arrian (Author), J. R. Hamilton (Editor, Introduction), Aubrey de Sélincourt (Translator)
- Publisher: Penguin Classics; Revised Edition (October 28, 1976)
- Pages: 432 pages
12. Alexander the Great: A Life From Beginning to End (Military Biographies Book 2)
Alexander The Great a life from beginning to end is a novel from hourly history that includes a complete military biography of the history of Alexander The Great. The goal of this novel is to ensure that you can gain the quick history of Alexander The Great and his many compliments in a condensed format. Available in audio and Kindle format, this is a direct look into the early life of Alexander The Great as well as the struggles that he faced at the end of his life.
If you are interested in accessing a quick knowledge of Alexander the great and learning in a condensed format, this is an excellent starting point for your journey into discovering Alexander the great.
- Authors: Hourly History (Author)
- Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform (November 16, 2017)
- Pages: 44 pages
13. Who Was Alexander the Great?
Kathryn Waterfield and Robin Waterfield created this historical book for kids to learn about one of the most interesting conquerors that ever lived. This is an excellent perspective for young readers to learn more about Alexander as a child and how he was able to learn and thrive as a leader.
The book includes interesting thoughts on leadership as well as the message for Alexander The Great and his supporters. As an easy-to-read biography, this is a tale that is appropriate for many young readers to understand the life and times of Alexander The Great. As a book that is suitable for young readers, this is one of the best introductions to the historical figure for younger historians.
- Authors: Kathryn Waterfield (Author), Robin Waterfield (Author), Who HQ (Author), Andrew Thomson (Illustrator)
- Publisher: Penguin Workshop; Illustrated Edition (June 7, 2016)
- Pages: 112 pages
14. The Generalship Of Alexander The Great
The generalship of Alexander The Great is a novel produced by JFC Fuller. This novel details the extensive life and livelihood of one of the greatest conquerors to ever live. Alexander The Great commander army of no more than 40,000 men and was able to conduct a revolutionary war effort.
In this novel, we can learn more about the nature of his governing style as well as the full extent of his ever stretching Empire. As a masterpiece on the career and military genius about Xander the great, this novel could be an excellent way to gain perspective into the past ofAlexander The Great and his efforts as a conqueror.
- Authors: J. F. C. Fuller (Author)
- Publisher: Da Capo Press (February 5, 2004)
- Pages: 352 pages
15. Alexander the Great: His Life and His Mysterious Death
It’s been over two millennia since Alexander The Great built an empire and painted a portrait of a skilled magisterial leader.
In this novel from Anthony Everitt, we learn more about the man himself throughout his life as well as the nature of his mysterious death. As he passed away just the age of 33, the empire that he created and the science and exploration that he furthered was truly something magnificent. He continued to glorify war and committed acts of remarkable cruelty but his death remains a mystery. Some suggested that his death was covered up and he was killed by his own men, others suggest that he was felled by a fever and died of natural causes. The explanation of his death is completed quite thoroughly in this novel and is well worth an expiration to understand the nature of the time and his legacy. If you have ever wondered about the life and mysterious death of Alexander the great, this is a wonderful option to pick up to solve the mystery.
- Authors: Anthony Everitt (Author)
- Publisher: Random House; Illustrated Edition (August 27, 2019)
- Pages: 496 pages
16. Alexander the Great: Student of Aristotle, Descendant of Heroes
Alexander The Great student of Aristotle is an examination from the in60Learning team. With a complete examination into his education in a way that he was able to gain his undefeated status, we take a look at his life through the 13 years of extreme conquering and expansion as well as in the early stages before he was in the army. His parents and tutors always raised him with the idea that he had something extra to prove and this was a mindset that he continued long into his life of accomplishments.
With more details on his early life and upbringing, we can gain an appreciation of how Alexander was prepared to be one of the finest warriors and generals that the world has ever knowon.
- Authors: in60Learning (Author)
- Publisher: Independently published (February 1, 2018)
- Pages: 39 pages
17. Alexander the Great
Thomas R Martin publishes a unique perspective on the story of an ancient life with Alexander The Great. This novel explains where Alexander The Great truly earned it’s title and some of the most important aspects of his best that led to his legacy.
Learning more about what motivated him, how he succeeded and how he was able to assert judgment in difficult times are all covered in this perspective on his life. This is a true perspective that looks deep into the legacy of Alexander The Great as well as some of the driving factors that caused his need for expansion. We often hear about the details of his expansion but rarely seek definition on the reasons for his legacy and the need for his expansion. This is what makes this book so unique.
- Authors: Thomas R. Martin (Author)
- Publisher: Cambridge University Press (November 15, 2012)
- Pages: 208 pages
18. Alexander the Great: Lessons from History’s Undefeated General (World Generals Series)
The story of Alexander The Great would suggest that the Oracle of Delphi once told him that he was invincible. In lessons from history undefeated general from Bille Yenne, we learn just how close to invincible Alexander The Great was. As the son of King Philip the second of Macedonia, Alexander The Great had a number of excellent teachers including his education from Aristotle and his command of the wing of his father’s army. By the time he was a teenager he had risen to the ranks of an astute commander.
Learning more about his past and his empire, we can see just how Alexander The Great has become one of history’s most amazing undefeated generals. This book takes a deep dive into political strategy and his command. With insights into his education and the various strategies that he used, this is a book that showcases the many ways he was able to rise to power and continue success.
- Authors: Bill Yenne (Author)
- Publisher: St. Martin’s Press; Illustrated Edition (April 13, 2010)
- Pages: 224 pages
19. Alexander The Great: Selections From Arrian, Diodorus, Plutarch, And Quintus Curtius
Alexander The Great selections from Arrian, Diodorus, Plutarch and Quintus Curtius is a collection of relevant sections from four ancient writers who were responsible for chronicling the life and accomplishments of Alexander The Great. These are some of the closest firsthand accounts of Alexander The Great’s rise to power, his historical impact as well as his conquest of Asia. This is one of the most detailed and accurate historical examples of Alexander The Great’s conquests.
The book is also filled with a series of important additions like timelines, maps, glossaries and more. All of the data in this book has been translated and produced from experts from ancient texts and it is one of the best historical accounts of the deeds of Alexander The Great.
- Authors: Arrian (Author), Diodorus Siculus (Author), Plutarch (Author), Quintus Curtius Rufus (Author), Pamela Mensch (Editor), James S. Romm (Editor)
- Publisher: Hackett Publishing Company, Inc.; paperback / softback Edition (March 15, 2005)
- Pages: 224 pages
20. Leadership & Strategy: Lessons From Alexander The Great
Leadership and strategy is a book that is written by Leonardo P. Martino and it serves as a quintessential guide from a business perspective on lessons from Alexander The Great.
As an unmatched leader for nearly 2000 years, Alexander has some of the greatest demonstrations of leadership and strength from any modern leader. His behaviors and traits have become increasingly more relevant for the modern business world and this could be a book that could teach you some of the most important aspects of Alexander The Great that you could adopt into your own lifestyle. If you have ever been curious about the nature of Alexander the Great and adopting some of his own leadership strategies into your life, this could be an excellent novel to consider.
- Authors: Leandro P. Martino (Author)
- Publisher: BookSurge Publishing (February 14, 2008)
- Pages: 273 pages
Choosing the Best Alexander The Great Books
If you are interested in learning more about Alexander The Great, any of these top books can be the perfect starting point. There is a wealth of knowledge that you can draw from on this subject with first-hand accounts from ancient historians all the way to modern historical looks at Alexander The Great. Whether you’re curious in the mysterious cause of his death or in the lifestyle that Alexander The Great lived, these are some excellent ways that you can start your research and gain a newfound perspective on Alexander The Great.
