The first half of Claude Mosses book describes the progress of Alexanders career and the second its effects on the history of the ancient, medieval and modern world. Mosse investigates the creation and evolution of Alexanders image over the centuries. From the illustrious son of Zeus down to the absolute monarch idealized by Louis XIV, from the valiant knight of the Crusaders to the Moslem philosopher-king, the author reveals the gamut of contrasts that make up the legend of this extraordinary hero of history and myth.