Showing posts with label biography. Show all posts
Showing posts with label biography. Show all posts

Tuesday, February 20, 2018

Review: Alexander the Great: Student of Aristotle, Descendant of Heroes by in60Learning

Title: Alexander the Great: Student of Aristotle, Descendant of Heroes
Author: in60Learning
Publication: January 31st 2018

Genre: Nonfiction, History, Biography
Purchase Link: Amazon

Rating: 4/5

Smarter in sixty minutes.
Get smarter in just 60 minutes with in60Learning. Concise and elegantly written non-fiction books and audiobooks help you learn the core subject matter in 20% of the time that it takes to read a typical book. Life is short, so explore a multitude of fascinating historical, biographical, scientific, political, and financial topics in only an hour each. Long before historians added “the Great” to his name, Alexander stated, “I would rather live a short life of glory than a long one of obscurity.” He certainly lived up to this ambition, conquering most of the known world in just 13 years before his death at age 33. Though undefeated in his lifetime, Alexander died unsatisfied--he always wanted more. His ambitious personality comes as no surprise considering his upbringing: born to powerful parents, he studied under Aristotle and grew up believing himself a descendant of the Greek heroes Achilles and Heracles. His parents and tutors raised him to believe he had something to prove, and this book serves as an account of what he accomplished.

I absolutely love Classical antiquity and I've always been intrigued by Alexander the Great but I have to admit that I actually don't know that much about him. So obviously this was a perfect read for me since I learned so much more about him. This is also the second in60Learning book I have read so far and I haven't been disappointed yet. I've really enjoyed this book!

The book was quick to read like all in60Learning books are but even so it was really interesting and went pretty deep into Alexander the Great, his family and the time he lived in. It was very informative but written in a way that was easy to read and very engaging. 

Alexander the Great: Student of Aristotle, Descendant of Heroes by in60Learning was a really great read. With chapters like 'The Foundation of an Empire', 'Proving his Worth' and 'The Beginning of the End' as well as many more, this book gives its readers a concise yet immersed view on Alexander the Great. 


Bust of a young Alexander the Great from the Hellenistic era, British Museum
{photo is public domain}

Aristotle Tutoring Alexander, by American painter Jean Leon Gerome Ferris
{photo is public domain}

Statue of Alexander in Istanbul Archaeology Museum
{photo is public domain}

Detail of Alexander Mosaic, showing Battle of Issus, from the House of the Faun, Pompeii
{photo is public domain}



Check out my other in60Learning review:
Hatshepsut: The Pharaoh-Queen of Egypt


More in60Learning reviews to come soon!


Friday, February 9, 2018

Review: Hatshepsut: The Pharaoh-Queen of Egypt by in60Learning

Title: Hatshepsut: The Pharaoh-Queen of Egypt
Author: in60Learning
Publication: February 3rd 2018 by in60Learning
Genre: Nonfiction, History, Biography
Purchase Link: Amazon

Rating: 4/5

Smarter in sixty minutes.

Get smarter in just 60 minutes with in60Learning . Concise and elegantly written non-fiction books and audiobooks help you learn the core subject matter in 20% of the time that it takes to read a typical book. Life is short, so explore a multitude of fascinating historical, biographical, scientific, political, and financial topics in only an hour each.

When Pharaoh Thutmose II died, he left an heir far too young to rule Egypt. His widow Hatshepsut stepped up to take his place. For at least the next 20 years, Hatshepsut ruled as Pharaoh King of Egypt in an era of prosperous growth and peace. When she died, her nephew Thutmose III attempted to smear her good name and wipe her memory from history. However, despite his efforts, his aunt Hatshepsut holds the title of most famous native Egyptian woman to ever rule as pharaoh; she also retains a legacy as one of the most successful female leaders in early history.


For those who don't know yet, ancient Egypt is my favorite era in history to read about. I can't remember a time where I wasn't fascinated by anything related to that topic. Hatshepsut is without a doubt my favorite pharaoh. So I'm really glad I got the chance to read this book. Not only was Hatshepsut a woman ruling Egypt as king or pharaoh but she did it for quite some time too (even though she was a co-ruler with her nephew and stepson Thutmose III, who smeared her good name after she died). I've always thought she deserves more recognition by older historians and people in general. I don't think many people will know her very well, or even at all. That's why Hatshepsut: The Pharaoh-Queen of Egypt was a good read. I really enjoyed it!

This book can easily read in one sitting, obviously, like the synopsis says: "Get smarter in just 60 minutes with in60Learning." I did know quite a lot already about Hatshepsut because of my mini obsession with her and the fact that I've alread read a lot about her before this book but even so I can say that it was really good overview about Hatshepsut, her reign, what happened in the aftermath of her death and much more. I even learned a thing or two more that I didn't even know, which is exactly why I love reading these kind of books. 

The writing was really good and informative but the chapters never felt excessively long or too monotonous. It was all pretty precise and to the point, which is something I often feel missing in most nonfiction that I read. 

Hatshepsut: The Pharaoh-Queen of Egypt by in60Learning was a fascinating and well-written introduction for those who want to learn more about Hatshepsut. And one she more than deserves! 



 A stone statue of Hatshepsut
{photo is public domain}

Hatshepsut's mortuary temple complex at Deir el-Bahri.
{photo is public domain}

Relief from Hatshepsut mortuary temple where trees are transported by ship from Punt to Egypt for planting.
{photo is public domain}

Osirian statues of Hatshepsut at her tomb
{photo is public domain}