The Nature of Alexander

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The Nature of Alexander (1975) is a nonfiction work by novelist Mary Renault (1905–1983).

Summary

The book is a biography of King

The book makes no attempt to be impartial or neutral, but rather unabashedly advocates Alexander as a truly great man. For example, Renault rejects the usual terminology of the "murder" of Kleitos, pointing out that legally, "murder" refers only to a killing with premeditation, which absolutely was not the case when the King killed Kleitos in a drunken brawl, after much drink and much provocation. She also points out that the beauty of the mummy of Alexander was still much admired even many generations after his death. She refutes many slurs against Alexander, both ancient and modern. Renault also defends Alexander's friend Hephaistion, pointing out that he corresponded with Aristotle and was successful in every mission and independent command he undertook.

The hardcover edition is illustrated, as is the 1983 Penguin Books softcover edition.

Editions

• 1975.
  ISBN 978-0-394-73254-1
  .

• 1975 in literature
• Bagoas (courtier)
• Phobos (mythology)