Newly translated, this classic novel is sure to delight readers of all ages as it explores the legendary conqueror’s life, ambitions, and humanity.

Nikos Kazantzakis’s Alexander the Great is a biographical novel about one of antiquity’s greatest political and military leaders. In Kazantzakis’s story, Alexander of Macedonia does not conquer for conquest’s sake; instead, he seeks to spread the light of Hellenism to the known world, unite humanity through Greek ideals and culture, and bring together East and West.

The story begins in Pella, the lavish capital of Macedonia, in the fourth century BCE. A teenager named Stefanos rushes to the royal stadium for a remarkable event that has drawn every male citizen of this capital city: the taming of a wild and uniquely powerful horse named Bucephalus. Relying on raw strength and force, even seasoned generals fail to subdue Bucephalus; but through skill, kindness, and insight, the fifteen-year-old Alexander is able to befriend the beast. Alexander’s symbolic taming of chaos foretells his rise to power and demonstrates the qualities he will carry with him throughout his lifelong campaign of conquest.

Through the eyes of Stefanos, who becomes Alexander’s personal attendant and most trusted companion, Kazantzakis follows the Macedonian army through triumphant campaigns across Persia, Egypt, and India, greatly expanding the boundaries of the ancient Hellenic world. Kazantzakis presents Alexander not only as an ingenious military strategist but also as a reflective human being. Alexander oscillates between the human and the divine but will ultimately be betrayed by the former. Kazantzakis narrates Alexander’s struggles and conquests all the way to Babylon, where he meets his untimely death at just thirty-three years of age.

This iconic novel also explores Alexander’s profound relationship with his mentor, Aristotle, who instills in him a lifelong thirst for knowledge. Alexander the Great offers a compelling blend of history, myth, and philosophy and will appeal to readers fascinated by ancient Greece, epic heroes, and humanity’s timeless quest for the meaning of life.

Nikos Kazantzakis is no stranger to the heroes of Greek antiquity. In this historical novel based on the life of Alexander the Great, Kazantzakis has drawn on both the rich tradition of Greek legend and the documented manuscripts from the archives of history to recreate an Alexander in all his many-faceted images—Alexander the god; Alexander the descendant of Heracles performing the twelve labors; Alexander the mystic, the daring visionary destined to carry out a divine mission; Alexander the flesh-and-blood mortal who, on occasion, is not above the common soldier’s brawling and drinking.

The novel, which resists the temptation to portray Alexander in the mantle of purely romantic legend, covers his life from age fifteen to his death at age thirty-two. It opens with Alexander’s first exploit, the taming of the horse, Bucephalas, and is seen in great part through the eyes of his young neighbor who eventually becomes an officer in his army and follows him on his campaign to conquer the world.

The book, which was written primarily as an educational adjunct for young readers, is intended for the adult mind as well, and like the legends of old, is entertaining as well as instructive for readers of all ages. It was originally published in Greece in serial form in 1940, and was republished in a complete volume in 1979.

A captivating retelling—newly translated—of the rise and fall of the Minoan civilization interwoven with some of ancient Greece’s most enduring myths

At the Palaces of Knossos is a vivid reimagining of ancient Crete, blending history and mythology into an epic tale of heroism, love, and destiny. Set against the grandeur of the Minoan court, the novel brings to life the legendary stories of Theseus, the Minotaur, Ariadne, Daedalus, and Icarus.

The story follows Theseus, the prince of Athens, who arrives in Crete as part of the annual tribute of young Athenians sent to feed the monstrous Minotaur. Determined to end this brutal cycle, he infiltrates the labyrinthine palace of Knossos, where he crosses paths with Princess Ariadne. Struggling between loyalty to her people and her love for the courageous stranger, Ariadne risks everything to help Theseus in his quest.

Through the eyes of palace attendants, acrobats, and the inventor Daedalus and his son Icarus, Kazantzakis transports readers into the splendor of Minoan culture—its sacred rituals, breathtaking bull-leaping ceremonies, and vibrant city life. But as Theseus prepares to face his destiny, a tragic chain of events unfolds, leading to heartbreak, betrayal, and the downfall of a once-mighty civilization.

Rich with philosophical depth and lyrical prose, At the Palaces of Knossos is more than a mythological retelling—it is a meditation on power, freedom, and the eternal struggle between fate and human will. Perfect for fans of historical fiction and Greek mythology, this novel offers a compelling journey into one of the ancient world’s most fascinating eras.