The Madness of Alexander the Great

And the Myth of Military Genius

Nonfiction, History, Ancient History, Biography & Memoir, Historical, Military
Cover of the book The Madness of Alexander the Great by Richard A Gabriel, Pen and Sword
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Richard A Gabriel ISBN: 9781473852365
Publisher: Pen and Sword Publication: March 31, 2015
Imprint: Pen and Sword Military Language: English
Author: Richard A Gabriel
ISBN: 9781473852365
Publisher: Pen and Sword
Publication: March 31, 2015
Imprint: Pen and Sword Military
Language: English

Over the years, some 20,000 books and articles have been written about Alexander the Great, the vast majority hailing him as possibly the greatest general that ever lived. Richard A. Gabriel, however, argues that, while Alexander was clearly a succesful soldier-adventurer, the evidence of real greatness is simply not there. 
The author presents Alexander as a misfit within his own warrior society, attempting to overcompensate. Thoroughly insecure and unstable, he was given to episodes of uncontrollable rage and committed brutal atrocities that would today have him vilified as a monstrous psychopath. The author believes some of his worst excesses may have been due to what we now call Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, of which he displays many of the classic symptoms, brought on by extended exposure to violence and danger. Above all the author thinks that Alexander's military ability has been flattered by History. Alexander was tactically competent but contributed nothing truly original, while his strategy was often flawed and distorted by his obsession with personal glory. This radical reappraisal is certain to provoke debate.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

Over the years, some 20,000 books and articles have been written about Alexander the Great, the vast majority hailing him as possibly the greatest general that ever lived. Richard A. Gabriel, however, argues that, while Alexander was clearly a succesful soldier-adventurer, the evidence of real greatness is simply not there. 
The author presents Alexander as a misfit within his own warrior society, attempting to overcompensate. Thoroughly insecure and unstable, he was given to episodes of uncontrollable rage and committed brutal atrocities that would today have him vilified as a monstrous psychopath. The author believes some of his worst excesses may have been due to what we now call Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, of which he displays many of the classic symptoms, brought on by extended exposure to violence and danger. Above all the author thinks that Alexander's military ability has been flattered by History. Alexander was tactically competent but contributed nothing truly original, while his strategy was often flawed and distorted by his obsession with personal glory. This radical reappraisal is certain to provoke debate.

More books from Pen and Sword

Cover of the book Crime on the Canals by Richard A Gabriel
Cover of the book Berwick-Upon-Tweed in the Great War by Richard A Gabriel
Cover of the book Caporetto and the Isonzo Campaign by Richard A Gabriel
Cover of the book The Influence of Air Power Upon History by Richard A Gabriel
Cover of the book The Brunei Revolt by Richard A Gabriel
Cover of the book Surviving the Death Railway by Richard A Gabriel
Cover of the book Himmlers Nazi Concentration Camp Guards by Richard A Gabriel
Cover of the book American Expeditionary Force by Richard A Gabriel
Cover of the book Men Who Flew the Mosquito by Richard A Gabriel
Cover of the book Tracing History Through Title Deeds by Richard A Gabriel
Cover of the book Coasters by Richard A Gabriel
Cover of the book Cathedrals of Britain: Central and East by Richard A Gabriel
Cover of the book German 88 by Richard A Gabriel
Cover of the book Secret SAS Missions in Africa by Richard A Gabriel
Cover of the book Tank Tracks to Rangoon by Richard A Gabriel
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy