Jacob Abbott s series of biographies of prominent historical figures, Makers of History, includes one of the world s most inspiring figures: Alexander the Great. Abbott pens the story of Alexander III, who became the king of Macedonia an ancient Greek kingdom at the age of 19 and died a mere 13 years after. Known as Alexander the Great for his conquests across the world, the Macedonian king was also excessive in his lifestyle, which was probably why his resounding success didn t stay long with him despite his might. In Alexander the Great, Jacob Abbott expands on the king s life, providing detail about the constellation of factors and developments that made Alexander the Great who he was. Abbott s insights paint a rich canvas of one of the most enigmatic, powerful figures in world history, one who has been immortalized in many forms and names, but who most of us know little about.