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Alexander the Great: Journey to the End of the Earth was written by Norman F. Cantor. Cantor explores the personal life and military conquests of this legendary leader. This biography maps out Alexander’s life through childhood; it describes how Alexander continuously succeeded by formulating plans to outwit his enemies. This biography also emboldens the reader to realize how miraculous it was for a teenager to guide an entire army in battle and succeed.
The history of Alexander’s life took place in Europe from 356 B.C.-323 B.C. His father was Philip II, King of Macedonia and his mother was Olympias, princess of Epirus. I think it is also important to mention Hephaestion, Alexander’s best friend and lover, who was also a great general, soldier, and aristocrat. These three people had the most influence in Alexander’s life. Alexander’s parents had a huge impact on the type of person he would become. Philip drove Alexander to be ruthless and domineering which enabled him to withstand anything. Philip’s disposition was ambivalent. He wanted Alexander to be the best and he wanted to protect Alexander, but at times Philip would lash out at him. For example, at a wedding feast Philip and his new wife Cleopatra were hosting, Attalus, Cleopatra’s uncle, angered Alexander by insinuating that he was illegitimate. Alexander threw his wine in Attalus’s face and then Philip, although drunk, drew his sword on Alexander, not Attalus. Olympias was overbearing, jealous, vindictive and of course she also wanted what was best for her son. She would see to it that her son was heir to the throne. She also influenced Alexander to believe in appeasing the gods. Hephaestion and Alexander were devoted to each other. Hephaestion accompanied Alexander on his conquests. They supported each other from the very beginning.
There were many sides of Alexander’s personality that were displayed throughout his life. Some of his traits were heroism, charisma, courage,...