The Book of Alexander the Great - or the Phyllada - has for three
centuries been the most popular account of Alexander's career in
modern Greece. After circulating in manuscript form, it was first
published in 1680 in Venice, and has been continuously in print in
Greek ever since. The Phyllada broadly follows the structure of the
ancient Alexander Romance, but is much better organised and is a
work of popular literature reflecting the immense interest that the
Conqueror has generated since earliest times. Numerous folktales
and local legends kept his story alive, and many works about
Alexander circulated in manuscript during the Byzantine period. The
Phyllada is the culmination of this tradition. Yet it has never
been translated into English: a surprising neglect which Richard
Stoneman - an acknowledged expert on Alexander - makes good in this
elegant rendering supplemented by a full introduction. As a piece
of literature the Phyllada is among the best treatments of the
Alexander legend, being full of colour and human interest.
Alexander not only encounters the heroes of Troy on his adventures
but wears the crown and robe of Solomon. His descent into the 'Cave
of the Gods' (Greek and Egyptian gods in the Romance) becomes a
visit to a hell described in Christian terms. The pagan Alexander
is thus filtered through a modern lens and becomes an emblem of the
good king. The sophisticated narrative structure and world view of
the Phyllada account for its lasting influence. This new
translation does it full justice.
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