Subject
Alexander, the Great, 356 B.C.-323 B.C. -- Fiction Books
Best books
Robert H. (Robert Higginson) Fuller
The Golden Hope: A Story of the Time of King Alexander the Great
"The Golden Hope: A Story of the Time of King Alexander the Great" by Robert H. Fuller is a historical novel written in the early 20th century. The book is set in the era of King Alexander the Great and focuses on the vibrant landscape of ancient Greece, exploring themes of friendship, ambition, and the uncertainties of war. The narrative begins to revolve around three friends—Clearchus, Chares, and Leonidas—as they navigate personal aspirations and external political challenges during a time of impending conflict. The opening of this work introduces us to the characters and the setting, with a lively depiction of Athens awakening to the morning sun. Clearchus, excited about the upcoming marriage to Artemisia, is joined by his friends after a night ride from Thebes. Their conversations reveal the tensions in Greece as they discuss matters of state, potential war with Macedonia, and Clearchus’ growing affection. However, the mood shifts dramatically when word arrives that Artemisia has been abducted, prompting the friends to embark on a desperate quest to rescue her, igniting themes of loyalty and adventure grounded in the political intrigues of their time.
Alfred John Church
A Young Macedonian in the Army of Alexander the Great
"A Young Macedonian in the Army of Alexander the Great" by Alfred John Church is a historical novel written in the late 19th century. The book follows the journey of Charidemus, a young Macedonian who navigates the challenges of identity and loyalty in the context of Alexander the Great's military campaigns. As Charidemus grapples with the dichotomy of being a Macedonian in a largely Greek society, the narrative explores themes of honor, revenge, and friendship against a backdrop of historical events during Alexander's conquest of Persia. The opening of the novel introduces Charidemus as he competes in a footrace at the Olympic Games, where he faces a profound insult that challenges his identity: his rival claims that he is a "barbarian," despite his adoption by a Greek family. This accusation leads to Charidemus’s disqualification and ignites a desire for revenge, setting in motion his enlistment in Alexander's army. As the story unfolds, the young Macedonian encounters themes of honor and friendship, particularly with Charondas, a Theban who initially wronged him but later becomes an ally. Through their experiences, the narrative reflects on the societal perceptions of ancestry and what it means to fight for one’s people, establishing a foundation for the character’s development in the course of the ensuing campaigns against Persia.
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