Alexander: Child of a Dream

by Valerio Massimo Manfredi

Book Overview

Before his birth, omens foretold that Alexander, son of the warrior-king Philip of Macedonia, was destined for greatness. From boyhood, the prince was trained by the finest scholars and mightiest soldiers to attain extraordinary strength of body and spirit. A descendant of Heracles and Achilles, Alexander aimed to surpass his ancestors' heroism and honor, and his chosen companions strove to be worthy to share his godlike fate.
Even as a youth,...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0743434366
• ISBN13: 9780743434362
• Release Date: October 2001
• Publisher: Atria Books
• Length: 368 Pages
• Weight: 0.85 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 6.1" x 8.0"

Customer Reviews

Alexander- Manfredi at his best

The saga of Alexander, by Valerio Massimo Manfredi (translated by Ian Haliday) is one of the best narratives in modern historical fiction. 'Child of a Dream' is the first volume in the 'Alexander' triology. While this volume does not see the Macedoninan hero on his famous conquest yet, it shows how he was shaped as a child, and the legend of how he was the son of Zeus himself. Philip of Macedon is bent on his self-appointed task to control Greek politics from his harsh, rocky kingdom of Macedon, but at the same time tries to establish himself as a cultured, civillized man, and not a barbarian as the Greeks view him. Alexander observes his father's diplomacy, and his visions are filled with tales of that vast, endless land called Asia. Tutored by the great philosopher Aristotle, grand designs of conquering all of the known world begin to form in his mind, and he makes friends who will later become his most trusted generals. This is not a biography, but a novel, and hence the reader reads a story, not a history. "A colourful celebration of the classical world" can best describe this masterpiece.

A Terrific Introduction to Alexander

The life of Alexander the Great is among the most popular subjects of ancient studies, and thus a common theme for fiction set in ancient Greece. Dr. Manfredii does an excellent job of portaying one of history's favorite heroes.The is the first volume of the trilogy and focuses on Alexander's privileged childhood, his adolescence as a student of Aristotle, and the first months following being crowned king of Macedon. Manfredii offers us particularly strong characters in Alexander's parents: Philip, the overbearing and nearly barbaric king; and Olympia the trophy wife of Philip's early career who becomes cold and coniving as her husband grows more distant.Most of us know the story of Alexander; therefore, we already know what to expect. Manfredii is gifted, however, and adequately keeps us in anticipation as the inevidible events unfold. He visits all the non-historical (=legedary, mythic) aspects of Alexander's life: the taming of his warhorse Bucephalus, Olympia and the snake, and the conspiracy surrounding Philip's death. He offers new insights and approaches these events from different angles, making them all the more exciting to the reader, whether you are a casual fan of historical fiction or a professional historian.Admittedly, the book does have a few weaknesses. The dialogue at times is a bit generic and "quirky"--occasionally, Alexander seems to quoting lines from a Schwarzeneggar film. And although Alexander was inspired in part by Homer, I think Manfredii's many references to "The Iliad" are a bit excessive. Moreover, and this is really a pet-peeve more than anything, all references to Odysseus instead name the hero as his latin (Roman) counterpart (Ulysses); which is not accurate. But I don't think these weaknesses are entirely at the fault of the author; I read the novel in English and I think something may have been lost in the translation from Italian. I'd deduct a half-star if I could, because these are merely minor complaints. Regardless, the book is fast-paced and detailed, and overall well-written.Of course, avid historians may see that Manfredii bends the facts in more than a few places. But that's why this is a novel and not a biography. We expect the events to be bright and exciting, and the author delivers them wonderfully.If you are unfamiliar with the life of Alexander, this is a great book to start you out. Furthermore, fans of both historical fiction and ancient Greece will find a fresh and exciting story in Mandredii's approach to ancient history's most fascinating character.

What makes Alexander the Great Tick?

I happened to stumble on this enjoyable reading piece while waiting for my flight at Heathrow airport. I am an avid reader of historical books dealing with military antiquity-based themes. When I read the back cover of the book, it oddly reminded me of Steven Pressfield's "Gates of Fire" dealing with the courageous suicide defence of Greece against invading Persians by a hundred brave Spartan warriors (by far one of the best books I have ever read!). Additionally, I have always been intrigued by Alexander the Great and the military accomplishments he made at such a young age. Thus, picking up this book was a no-brainer...First of all, "Alexander" is one of three books in a trilogy spanning the entire life of Alexander. The first book deals with his childhood up until he leaves with his troops to conquer the Persians in the far East. I really enjoyed the vivid detail the author provides in describing Alexander's life and modus operati or way of thinking. We learn about his childhood and overbearing father Philip of Macedon who was both cruel and compassionate as well his scheming mother Olympia, who herself was portrayed as both a revenge seeking wife and yet someone who had been greatly hurt and was justified in her actions. Through his upbringing, we get a clear inclination of the facets of both childhood and destiny that were to shape Alexander's life as a world conqueror. I really enjoyed learning not only about Alexander's life as a child and youth, but also understanding Macedonian life in general. The author really understands the subject he writes about and uses his vast knowledge of history to mold a story that is both historic and entertaining. Instead of being a bland biography of Alexander, we really get to learn what he is made of and what drives him to become who he is destined to be. I look forward to reading the next two books and "Highly" recommend this book to anyone looking to have a little adventure in their lives and follow Alexander's exploits as the story unfolds. My only complaint is the author seems somewhat biased in glorifying Alexander as an untainted individual. It is widely know that Alexander and his mother were behind Philip's assassination, but the author tends to steer pretty clear of portraying Alexander as a perpetrator and places more blame on Olympia as the mastermind. Perhaps, this will be rectified in the next two books as Alexander's true nature opens up even more...cant wait to find out!!

The beginning of a legend

Valerio Manfredi has a very original way of telling us Great Alexander story. The spirit and atmosphere of this period is well described and we are really able to feel it. Gods seems to intervene by dreams and oracles even if we can say it is superstition. But is it real? Doubt is always there! At the same time we meet famous past characters such as great philosophers as Aristotle or Diogenes. Great Alexander has met legendary people but he is himself a legend. And this legend has hidden an other great character , Alexander's father, king Phillip of Macedonia. A good book!