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THE CONQUESTS OF ALEXANDER THE GREAT. By WALDEMAR HECKEL. Cambridge University Press. 2008. Pp. xxii, 218.
WALDEMAR HECKEL, a prolific and respected contributor to Alexander Snidies, aims in this book to provide for students and general readers "an intelligent introduction" to the wars of the Macedonian conqueror (ix). In nine well-paced chapters, Heckel lays out his approach and methodology, surveys the ancient sources, sketches the Macedonian background, assesses the Persian enemy, and then covers the military campaign in five phases: the defeat of Darius m, the challenges to Alexander's authority in Central Asia, the conquest of the Punjab, the return west, and the final months in Mesopotamia. To this clear exposition, the author adds a chronological table (including king lists and sources), a glossary, and three useful appendices on Alexander's officers, troop numbers, and satrapal appointments. The bibliography is up-to-date, and the text is supported by 336 notes. Heckel understands that assigning students a book without adequate notes and bibliography is like throwing bricks to the drowning.
This...