"In order to reach a wider audience and make this book more lively, I have included numerous passages from the ancient sources, believing their words more effective than any paraphrase. The majority of the passages quoted have been translated by my friend, John Yardley-there are a few exceptions, which are acknowledged in the footnotes. Therefore, my first and greatest debt is to him. I am also grateful to the usual group of Alexander scholars to whom I have regularly turned for guidance and instruction. Stefan Vranka of Oxford University Press has given support and encouragement throughout the entire process. I am particularly indebted to Fred Naiden, who read and criticized a preliminary version, and to my sister, Anneli Purchase, who corrected numerous mistakes in my writing and forced me to simplify the most convoluted arguments. Special thanks go out, also, to Sheila Ager, Ed Anson, Liz Baynham, Pierre Briant, Beth Carney, Monica D'Agostini, Konrad Kinzl, Franca Landucci Gattinoni, and Yossi Roisman, and to my former students Erin Garvin, Carolyn Willekes, and Graham Wrightson. Most of all, I acknowledge the continuing friendship and support of Tim Howe and Sabine Müller (both of whom generously sent me published material that I found difficult to obtain), as well as Larry Tritle, John Vanderspoel and Pat Wheatley. Of course, I thank my family, and it is to the youngest (for now) of them that I dedicate this book. Calgary, 15 October, 2018"--