"To be mystical and intensely practical, to dream greatly and to do greatly, is not," says Agnes Savill, "given to many men; it is this combination which gives Alexander his place apart in history. Aristotle had taught him that man's highest good lay in right activity of mind and body both. [Alexander]...gives a strangely vivid impression of one whose body was his servant."
He was trained by Aristotle in every branch of human learning, conquered much of Asia, and was one of the greatest leaders in the history of the world. He was unquestionably one of the most brilliant and commanding generals of all time. He greatly influenced the spread of Hellenism and is responsible for profound changes in the course of world development.
Agnes Savill gives us a vivid account of the life, personality, failures and accomplishments of one of history's largest characters.
Part One of Savill's Alexander bridges both time and distance, fires the imagination and transports the reader to Asia Minor circa 340 B.C. Part Two re-examines the historical estimate of Alexander in light of recent studies. It is both balanced and objective. Blackstone's production is top quality. Nadia May's voice is slightly gravelly but delightfully clear and forceful, and her reading is judiciously paced. The book contains many long passages from classical sources, which are read with intelligence and empathy for the listener not attuned to the prose style of Pericles or Demosthenes. Though not light, both Savill and this production make a pleasure of audio history. P.E.F. (c)AudioFile, Portland, Maine
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