Book excerpt: This book provides a new perspective on the sources of Alexander's reign by rigorously examining the methods of historians of the time, particularly those of Arrian. Revealing Arrian's attitude toward his subject matter, approach to sources, techniques in writing speeches, and the degree to which he imposed his own judgement of his subject matter, Bosworth presents a clearer and more accurate picture of the persona of Alexander the Great, while offering new insights into two vital problems of documentation--the Royal Journals and the purported Last Plans.