The Persian Boy

A New York Times–bestselling novel of the ancient king of Macedon and his lover by the author Hilary Mantel calls “a shining light.” The Persian Boy centers on the most tempestuous years of Alexander the Great’s life, as seen through the eyes of his lover and most faithful attendant, Bagoas. When Bagoas is very young, his father is murdered and he is sold as a slave to King Darius of Persia. Then, when Alexander conquers the land, he is given Bagoas as a gift, and the boy is besotted. This passion comes at a time when much is at stake—Alexander has two wives, conflicts are ablaze, and plots on the Macedon king’s life abound. The result is a riveting account of a great conqueror’s years of triumph and, ultimately, heartbreak. The Persian Boy is the second volume of the Novels of Alexander the Great trilogy, which also includes Fire from Heaven and Funeral Games. This ebook features an illustrated biography of Mary Renault including rare images of the author. “Mary Renault is a shining light to both historical novelists and their readers. She does not pretend the past is like the present, or that the people of ancient Greece were just like us. She shows us their strangeness; discerning, sure-footed, challenging our values, piquing our curiosity, she leads us through an alien landscape that moves and delights us.” —Hilary Mantel

Ed Stephan presents a synopsis of "The Persian Boy," written by English author Mary Renault and originally published by the Longman Group. The resource describes the people, animals, places, coins, and art used in ancient Greece, as well as provides maps of areas discussed in the novel.

A magnificent new noval revealing a little-known facet of the life of Alexander the Great, who in his 33 years conquered most of the known world and changed the entire course of history. The story is told by Alexander's young companion Bagoas - a real historical figure. Sophiticated beyond his years, schooled in the arts of love,. . . . .Bogoas served as both courtier and courtesan to Alexander. . . A reading experience that will linger long in the memory! -- The Literary Guild Magazine.