The Rise and Fall of Alexandria

Birthplace of the Modern Mind

By: Justin Pollard, Howard Reid

Narrated by: Simon Vance

Founded by Alexander the Great and built by self-styled Greek pharaohs, the city of Alexandria at its height dwarfed both Athens and Rome. It was the marvel of its age, legendary for its vast palaces, safe harbors, and magnificent lighthouse. But it was most famous for the astonishing intellectual efflorescence it fostered and the library it produced. If the European Renaissance was the "rebirth" of Western culture, then Alexandria, Egypt, was its birthplace.

It was here mankind first discovered that the earth was not flat, originated atomic theory, invented geometry, systematized grammar, translated the Old Testament into Greek, built the steam engine, and passed their discoveries on to future generations via the written word. Julius Caesar, Mark Antony, Cleopatra, Jewish scholars, Greek philosophers, and devout early Christians all play a part in the rise and fall of the city that stood "at the conjunction of the whole world". Sparkling with fresh insights into science, philosophy, culture, and invention, this is an irresistible, edifying delight.

©2006 Justin Pollard and Howard Reid (P)2006 Tantor Media, Inc.

Critic reviews

"A nourishing account." (Publishers Weekly)
"Classical history buffs will savor this survey." (Booklist)

entertaining

I loved this book. I learned so much about ancient history. And who knew that Reid and Pollard could make it so interesting. I was hooked from the moment it started and I was pleasantly suprised that it was such a intriguing and effortless read. But then, all history should be like that.

Packed Full of History, Science, Math, Philosophy

If you want to know more about this incredible place and time for all of the above subjects as well as an interesting interplay of Judaism, Christianity, and Paganism, this is a great one-stop source. I learned much about the great minds of the past and the context of their discoveries.

Fantastic

This is a broad, sweeping history from the foundation of Alexandria, to the invasion of Islam. It gives a good picture of the thinking of the hellenized world. I did not realize how much like them we are.

That the ancient world could have known so much and then have it forgotton, not to be rediscovered for a thousand years, is a sad and uncomforting thought.

Some of what was lost, is FOUND by the authors

This book tied together lots of history for me, including how Greece, Rome and Christianity fit together. I didn't realize how much of "Greek" history was Alexandrian and I was shocked by the number of great thinkers that came through this city.

The Best Book I have read in a long time!!!

This book is fantastic!! Like all of us I am a lover of history but this book ranks in my top ten and I would advise everyone to read it.

Absolute Winner

Any additional comments?

This is just a terrific listen. I'm afraid I'm only echoing the earlier reviews, but that's because I agree with them totally. If all books of history were written like this kids would be lining up to read (or listen to) them. Pollard and Reid make every chapter fascinating. I cussed out loud when my iPod died in the middle of it. I recommend this to anyone who likes history. Plus, Simon Vance reads in his irresistable manner. Five starts all the way down the line. Rick

Worth listening to 20 times

Pretty much the best book you can find about Ancient Alexandria. This title helped me get the badge for repeat listening. I bought the Kindle version because this book is that good.

Also Epstein did not kill himself!!!!

Great read for all who love history!

This is a very good read. Covers a great span of time with elagance. The reading is supurb. The story fascinating.

All about its history

This books shows all about Alexandria. Really interesting and good narration. I started it and wanted to know all about in the end. Worthwhile to know more about ancient history

A good, but sometimes underwhelming listen.

I'm extremely torn on this book; probably more so than any of the dozen or so history titles I've listened to on audible so far.

On one hand, it is extremely imformative. Note that this book is really about the academics/scholars/scientists that were from Alexandria, or those who studied/lived there for a time. It's less about the city itself and it's history, although that of course works its way into Reid and Pollard's narrative...especially and the beginning and the end of the book.

There's some great stuff in here....Reid and Pollard argue that Archimedes may have lived in Alexandria; discuss the important Alexandrian Jewish community and its impact on early Christianity; flesh out the geographer Ptolemy; and discuss Celsus, an early critic of Christianity and its origins. Among other topics.

That said, I feel like this book would work better in print form, as the voiceover can drag on and there isn't the kind of narrative that makes a history book work in audio format.