At the birth of Prince Alexander of Macedonia in 356 B.C., wise men predicted that one day he would rule two great nations and would be hailed as "the light of Asia."  Later, as Alexander the Great, the young prince fulfilled these predictions to become a great leader and conqueror and a towering figure in world history. 

But there was another side to Alexander that is little known and seldom celebrated in story and legend: his deep interest in people, his careful study of their manners and speech which led to his discovery and use of some of the important principles of what became the science of anthropology. 

This aspect of Alexander's career is told in Robert C. Suggs' fascinating book. 

In these pages, we see the young Alexander learning medicine and Greek history and above all science, at the feet of Aristotle.  We meet the thoughtful youth who studied the people of many lands who came to his father's court.  And we see a conqueror who pursued a private dream of empire in which all men would live in peace, no matter what language they spoke or what kind of clothes they wore.  To his dream, Alexander brought the clear vision of the scientist and the wisdom of a king who respected and understood the people he ruled. 

Beautifully illustrated by an outstanding artist, this story of the scientist-king is told with a simplicity and charm every child will enjoy and every adult will appreciate.

From the dust jacket