Philip II of Macedonia - by Richard A Gabriel (Hardcover)

About the Book

The military genius of Philip II of Macedonia, father of Alexander the Great

Book Synopsis

Philip II of Macedonia (382-336 BCE), unifier of Greece, author of Greece's first federal constitution, founder of the first territorial state with a centralized administrative structure in Europe, forger of the first Western national army, first great general of the Greek imperial age, strategic and tactical genius, and military reformer who revolutionized warfare in Greece and the West, was one of the greatest captains in the military history of the West. Philip prepared the ground, assembled the resources, conceived the strategic vision, and launched the first modern, tactically sophisticated and strategically capable army in Western military history, making the later victories of his son Alexander possible.

Philip's death marked the passing of the classical age of Greek history and warfare and the beginning of its imperial age. To Philip belongs the title of the first great general of a new age of warfare in the West, an age that he initiated with his introduction of a new instrument of war, the Macedonian phalanx, and the tactical doctrines to ensure its success. As a practitioner of the political art, Philip also had no equal. In all these things, Philip exceeded Alexander's triumphs.

This book establishes Philip's legitimate and deserved place in military history, which, until now, has been largely minimized in favor of his son by the classicist writers who have dominated the field of ancient biography. Richard Gabriel, renowned military historian, has given us the first military biography of Philip II of Macedonia.

Review Quotes

"...the book will be read with enjoyment by anyone who has ever heard of Philip, especially military history fans. Recommended."--Choice

"A fully realized portrait of Philip II as charismatic leader, shrewd statesman, military innovator, and great general emerges from Gabriel's thorough research and detailed understanding of Greek warfare and politics in antiquity. It is an engaging, reliable, and well-written account of one of the West's greatest generals, the man whose military and political brilliance shaped both his own age and the future of warfare."--Michael W. Robbins, editor, Military History-- (4/12/2010 12:00:00 AM)

"Richard Gabriel's latest book on Philip II of Macedon is well researched, well argued, tells a good story, and is a pleasure for both scholars and general readers. His central thesis regarding Philip's genius is presented with an insight drawn from Gabriel's own extensive military experience, something not often found in modern classical scholarship. The book is both informative and fun to read."--Dr. David B. George, director, Institute of Mediterranean Archaeology-- (4/12/2010 12:00:00 AM)

"This is a fascinating book in which the noted military historian, Richard Gabriel, puts forth a strikingly new idea: that Philip of Macedon, conqueror of Greece and father of Alexander the Great, was a greater soldier, strategist, statesman, tactician, and military genius than his son. Drawing upon his broad knowledge of warfare in antiquity, Gabriel presents his case clearly and convincingly for scholars and general readers alike. In doing so, he establishes Philip's rightful place in Western military history, long overlooked, as Greece's greatest general, indeed one greater even than Alexander."--Steven Weingartner, editor, Cantigny Military History Series, and author of Chariots Like a Whirlwind-- (4/12/2010 12:00:00 AM)