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  • Philip and Alexander

  • Kings and Conquerors
  • Written by: Adrian Goldsworthy
  • Narrated by: Neil Dickson
  • Length: 20 hrs and 36 mins
  • 4.7 out of 5 stars (41 ratings)

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Philip and Alexander

Written by: Adrian Goldsworthy
Narrated by: Neil Dickson
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Publisher's Summary

This definitive biography of one of history's most influential father-son duos tells the story of two rulers who gripped the world - and their rise and fall from power.

Alexander the Great's conquests staggered the world. He led his army across thousands of miles, overthrowing the greatest empires of his time and building a new one in their place. He claimed to be the son of a god, but he was actually the son of Philip II of Macedon.

Philip inherited a minor kingdom that was on the verge of dismemberment, but despite his youth and inexperience, he made Macedonia dominant throughout Greece. It was Philip who created the armies that Alexander led into war against Persia. In Philip and Alexander, classical historian Adrian Goldsworthy shows that without the work and influence of his father, Alexander could not have achieved so much. This is the groundbreaking biography of two men who together conquered the world.

©2020 Adrian Goldsworthy (P)2020 Basic Books

What the critics say

"An impressive dual biography.... Goldsworthy expertly mines ancient sources to parse fact from legend.... This is a fascinating and richly detailed look at two men who 'changed the course of history.'" (Publishers Weekly)

"Riveting...Goldsworthy is the best sort of writer on ancient times. He eschews psychohistory, explains the wildly unfamiliar culture of that era, and speculates carefully...An outstandingly fresh look at well-trodden ground." (Kirkus, starred review)

"Philip and Alexander is another wonderful product of Adrian Goldsworthy's historical craft - sterling scholarship, engaging prose, insightful analysis, and unbiased assessment. Goldsworthy explores brilliantly the complex relationship between father and son, the failure of the Greek city-states to stop them, the proper credit for the Macedonian expansion, and the megalomania of Alexander's near global conquests. A brilliant account of how father and son changed the world, for both good and bad." (Victor Davis Hanson, author of A War Like No Other: How the Athenians and Spartans Fought the Peloponnesian War)

What listeners say about Philip and Alexander

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excellent read

well researched overall history of both Phillip and Alexander. author well aware and makes reference when not sure of events.

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  • Ant
  • 2023-09-29

Brilliant writing, pacing, and research

Thorough research and great pacing. Compelling narration. It caters to both history enthusiasts and novices, offering a balanced portrayal of these ancient figures. Highly recommended for those captivated by ancient history, leadership, war, the complexities of power dynamics, and fantastic writing.

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Very, very good

Mr Goldsworthy writes with a smooth style, enjoyable, well researched and presented. The conclusion was one of the best I've read in years. 5 stars.

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