Have you read Adrian Goldsworthy's book about Alexander (and Philip)? He's a military historian specialised in antiquity so his interpretations of battles are often different from historians with no deep knowledge of ancient tactics (for instance the Granicus, often presented as a mad dash from Alexander seems actually to have been a very clever move).
Mr Goldsworthy argues that Memnon's strategy (scorched earth) was just not a realistic one both from a political and military perspectives.
You can't go wrong with any of her books, really. My personal favorite is The Praise Singer; I also really like The Persian Boy. Be aware, though, that even in the case of Alexander's victories, she doesn't spend any time describing the battles.
Have you read Adrian Goldsworthy's book about Alexander (and Philip)? He's a military historian specialised in antiquity so his interpretations of battles are often different from historians with no deep knowledge of ancient tactics (for instance the Granicus, often presented as a mad dash from Alexander seems actually to have been a very clever move).
Mr Goldsworthy argues that Memnon's strategy (scorched earth) was just not a realistic one both from a political and military perspectives.
I was not aware of Mary Renault. I'm certainly gonna look into her work. Amy suggestions on where to start?
You can't go wrong with any of her books, really. My personal favorite is The Praise Singer; I also really like The Persian Boy. Be aware, though, that even in the case of Alexander's victories, she doesn't spend any time describing the battles.
Ah right on! Thank you. And no worries about the battles, that's what history books are for!