Tarn's Alexander the Great, first published in 1948, has become a classic and its importance for subsequent Alexander studies can hardly be exaggerated. Based on a lifetime's work and elegantly and persuasively written, both volumes evoked immediate admiration - and very soon sharp reaction. Little has in fact appeared on Alexander over the last thirty years that has not been directly related to Tarn's book. Especially Volume II, with its detailed analysis of the sources and discussion of the main historical cruces - such as Cleitarchus' date, the status of the Greek cities, Alexander's deification, his supposed plans for a world-kingdom and the famous thesis that he sought to realise the 'brotherhood of mankind' - has itself inspired scores of books and articles. For the scholar both volumes are indispensable and their re-appearance is to be warmly welcomed.
