The Rise and Fall of Alexandria: Birthplace of the Modern World

Justin Pollard · Howard Reid

Oct 2007 · Sold by Penguin

About this ebook

A short history of nearly everything classical. The foundations of the modern world were laid in Alexandria of Egypt at the turn of the first millennium. In this compulsively readable narrative, Justin Pollard and Howard Reid bring one of history's most fascinating and prolific cities to life, creating a treasure trove of our intellectual and cultural origins. Famous for its lighthouse, its library-the greatest in antiquity-and its fertile intellectual and spiritual life--it was here that Christianity and Islam came to prominence as world religions--Alexandria now takes its rightful place alongside Greece and Rome as a titan of the ancient world. Sparkling with fresh insights on science, philosophy, culture, and invention, this is an irresistible, eye- opening delight.

Ratings and reviews

An unexpected treasure trove of revelations - I never knew this, never knew that - delivered in an eminently readable style that left me wanting more. I wish they would write a history of ancient Greece now. This Alexandria book's a total winner! Much more interesting than the currently overhyped Cleopatra by Stacy Schiff (which is good in its own ways, but this Pollard-Reid book is ten times more interesting)

About the author

Justin Pollard, a freelance writer and producer specializing in historical documentaries, has written for PBS and A&E. He is currently providing script and historical consultancy for Sam Mendes’s upcoming feature film, Tom Fool.

Howard Reid has made award-winning documentaries for National Geographic, the BBC, and Channel 4, including The Story of English. He is the author of five books.