ARCHIVE ~ SPOTLIGHTED BOOK - GHOST ON THE THRONE- Week One - July 13th - July 19th, 2020 - Preface, Introduction: The Opening of the Tombs and 1. Bodyguards and Companions (pages xiii-xxii, 3 - 33) - DISCUSSION - No Spoilers, please

[Laura]

Hi, all! I apologize for being so late to introduce myself. The past few weeks have been rather hectic.

I live in South Carolina and work in higher education, so things have been a bit strained lately. I’ve always had an interest in ancient history, but I know so little about it. This book sounded fascinating and like a good place to begin my plunge into the time period.

I enjoyed the introduction and first chapter, and I definitely learned a lot. I felt silly for not knowing that Aristotle was one of Alexander’s mentors—but that fact certainly intrigued me! After I finish this book, I may seek one about Alexander specifically.

I’m happy to be a part of this group, especially amid such isolation and legitimate peril. Thank you for starting this discussion!

[Laura]

For the record, I also have a MLIS. It’s great to be around so many fellow librarians!

[Vicki, Assisting Moderator - Ancient Roman History]

Laura wrote: "Hi, all! I apologize for being so late to introduce myself. The past few weeks have been rather hectic.

I live in South Carolina and work in higher education, so things have been a bit strained l..."

Welcome, Laura, it's never too late to join a book discussion. I'm glad you're enjoying the book; it's great that it's got you interested to learn more about Alexander.

Be sure to check out the Glossary thread in this topic, you can learn a lot more about the people featured in the book. Here's the link:

https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

[Savannah]

Vicki wrote: "Chapter One


Alexander the Great, from the Carlsberg Glyptotek Museum

Discussion Topics and Questions:

1. What's your impression of Alexander? He almost seems like a superhero, conquering most ..."

Hello, my name is Savannah. I currently live in Tennessee. I have been a history and philosophy buff all my life. Sorry to be joining the discussion late.

Question 1 Yes, Alexander does appear to have almost super human abilities.

Question 2. I think that he did not make arrangements for who would succeed him because he never thought he would die or rather never thought he would die until he was ready to retire.

[Vicki, Assisting Moderator - Ancient Roman History]

Welcome, Savannah, it's never too late to join the discussion. I'm sure you're right that he never thought he would die before he had accomplished all he planned to do.

[Marc]

Hello, I'm Marc. Currently live near Golden Colorado, but originally from Fort Hall Idaho. My degree is a bit weirder, in physics, but always have been interested in how the world works. So, now I have some idea of the physical laws that govern how things work, but of course, that's just one small piece in how I interact in this world, and how the world interacts with me! Found I loved history, and been diving in deep for over 10 years now. Sorry for joining late, I wasn't really planning on joining this read, I had earlier read

by Guy Maclean Rogers (no photo)

but that was over 8 years ago, so I have forgotten quite a bit! but twist my arm, happy to read a new book!

[Vicki, Assisting Moderator - Ancient Roman History]

Marc wrote: "Hello, I'm Marc. Currently live near Golden Colorado, but originally from Fort Hall Idaho. My degree is a bit weirder, in physics, but always have been interested in how the world works. So, now I ..."

Welcome to the discussion and the book, Marc. i hope you will enjoy both. That sounds like an interesting book about Alexander.

[Marc]

I did enjoy that book. I think I might pull it back off the shelf and do a quick re-read. but this book so far seems like it's more a successor to the book, more about the the aftermath of his death. I'm still in the middle of chapter 1, and I guess we will learn more! I guess it's in the subtitle of this book (the death and bloody fight for his empire), so yeah, I should learn more!

[Vicki, Assisting Moderator - Ancient Roman History]

Marc wrote: ".. this book so far seems like it's more a successor to the book, more about the the aftermath of his deat..."

This one is definitely a successor, covering all the struggles of Alexander's generals and relations to hold the empire together, or to break off a piece for themselves. We look forward to your comments.

[Bentley, Group Founder, Leader, Chief]

All, when you complete reading and posting up through page 33 and anything you want to discuss about the Preface, Introduction: The Opening of the Tombs or 1. Bodyguards and Companions, please go to the Week Two thread.

Here is the link to the Week Two thread: https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...