The story of Nearchus, who comes as a page to the court of King Philip of Macedon, where he befriends the young Alexander the Great. In company with other boys, Nearchus and Alexander divide their time between lessons, and gymnastic and military drill. We follow them on an all-night tramp under one instructor and share their joy when their new tutor, Aristotle, arrives. The story revolves around the differing gifts of the boys and predictions about what fortune holds in store for each of them.

From the Yesterday's Classics edition