Alexander the Great : a novel / Nikos Kazantzakis ; translated by Niki Stavrou.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Kazantzakis, Nikos, 1883-1957, Author.

Contributor:

Stavrou, Niki, translator.

Standardized Title:

Megas Alexandros. English http://id.loc.gov/resources/hubs/a4345864-2964-fbdb-fdb6-3a2fbee5d0de

Language:

English

Greek, Modern (1453-)

Subjects (All):

Alexander, the Great, 356 B.C.-323 B.C--Fiction.

Alexander.

Genre:

Biographical fiction.

Fiction.

Novels.

Translations.

Physical Description:

vii, 279 pages : illustration ; 22 cm

Place of Publication:

Athens, Ohio : Ohio University Press, [2025]

Summary:

"Nikos Kazantzakis's Alexander the Great is a biographical novel about one of antiquity's greatest political and military leaders. In Kazantzakis's story, Alexander of Macedonia does not conquer for conquest's sake; instead, he seeks to spread the light of Hellenism to the known world, unite humanity through Greek ideals and culture, and bring together East and West. The story begins in Pella, the lavish capital of Macedonia, in the fourth century BCE. A teenager named Stefanos rushes to the royal stadium for a remarkable event that has drawn every male citizen of this capital city: the taming of a wild and uniquely powerful horse named Bucephalus. Relying on raw strength and force, even seasoned generals fail to subdue Bucephalus; but through skill, kindness, and insight, the fifteen-year-old Alexander is able to befriend the beast. Alexander's symbolic taming of chaos foretells his rise to power and demonstrates the qualities he will carry with him throughout his lifelong campaign of conquest. Through the eyes of Stefanos, who becomes Alexander's personal attendant and most trusted companion, Kazantzakis follows the Macedonian army through triumphant campaigns across Persia, Egypt, and India, greatly expanding the boundaries of the ancient Hellenic world. Kazantzakis presents Alexander not only as an ingenious military strategist but also as a reflective human being. Alexander oscillates between the human and the divine but will ultimately be betrayed by the former. Kazantzakis narrates Alexander's struggles and conquests all the way to Babylon, where he meets his untimely death at just thirty-three years of age. This iconic novel also explores Alexander's profound relationship with his mentor, Aristotle, who instills in him a lifelong thirst for knowledge. Alexander the Great offers a compelling blend of history, myth, and philosophy and will appeal to readers fascinated by ancient Greece, epic heroes, and humanity's timeless quest for the meaning of life"-- Provided by publisher.

Notes:

Translated from the Greek.

Includes bibliographical references.

Other Format:

ebook version :

ISBN:

9780821426616

0821426613

OCLC:

1514656502

Publisher Number:

CIPO000317176