I felt that the only way I could prepare for it would be to read more of the actual history. So many characters pass in and out of the story.

Absolutely absorbing fictional biography of the ancient Greek antihero, Alcibiades, from his boyhood as ward of the politician Pericles, through his whole life: his part in the Peloponnesian War; his military victories and defeats; political intrigues with Sparta and with Persia; to meeting his final destiny in Ionia. Sometimes he is a conventional hero with looks, charm, and charisma, but most of the time, Alcibiades exhibits supreme egotism, manipulation of people and situations for his own advantage, treachery in more than once turning his coat, unhealthy greed and thirst for personal glory. One ancient writer has described him this way: "The most unscrupulous of men, and the most careless of the claims of honour." A Persian character in the story gives his assessment of his character as that of a child in a man's body.

The novel was quite a page-turner, although I already knew Alcibiades' history. I liked how the author put together the details, also his physical descriptions were plausible. The secondary characters were as well-rounded as Alcibiades himself.

Highly recommended. (less) ( )

Fiction: A novel of the life of Alkibiades; it's a toss-up between Peter Green & Rosemary Sutcliff as to which of the two is 'best'. It's an odious comparison to have to make, so I won't make it. Both are equal in my estimation. I do NOT recommend Steve Pressfield's 'Tides of War' ~ tho' I've listed it. ( )

Edition: // Descr: 530 p. : map (1) 22 cm. // Series: Call No. { } // //