Jacob Abbott

A complete biography of the ancient Macedonian king and one of history's greatest military leaders. Alexander the Great, son of King Philip II of Macedonia, and his fourth wife, Olympias, seemed destined for success. He had Aristotle for a tutor until he was sixteen. He took interest in his father's military efforts abroad, and worried there would be nothing left to conquer when he became king. When ambassadors from Persia arrived in Macedonia, they...

Cleopatra is probably one of the most well-known women in history, right alongside Joan of Arc and many other prominent ladies who have changed the face of history as we know it. The lesser known details of her reign, as well as her methods of seduction, philosophies and involvement in world politics, however, are seldom discussed at length. Jacob Abbott's Cleopatra is probably one of the few books that truly discusses these matters in great detail,...

Be transported back to ancient Rome and the turbulent rule of Emperor Nero in this gripping biography by Jacob Abbott. Though now infamous for corruption and excess, Nero's life was complex-and shaped by fortune as much as vice. Follow Nero's path from powerless youth to the peak of unlimited authority as Rome's supreme leader. Abbott charts Nero's unlikely rise, culminating with the emperor's broken promises to the Roman people. Though best known...

Delve into the intricate tapestry of history with "Mary Queen of Scots." Written by Jacob Abbott, this illuminating narrative unveils the captivating story of a queen whose life was woven with triumphs, trials, and unyielding resilience. In this compelling biography, Abbott skillfully navigates the corridors of time to present a nuanced portrayal of Mary Stuart-a queen marked by her regal grace, political turbulence, and an unwavering spirit. Discover...

Xerxes, an important king of ancient Persia, stepped into power after his father, Darius the Great, ruling over an enormous empire that sprawled across vast lands. His reign was marked by grand ambitions and remarkable endeavors. One of the most captivating chapters of Xerxes' rule was his fervent desire to expand the Persian Empire by conquering Greece. This ambition led him to mobilize a colossal army and embark on a monumental campaign. The battles...

When Cyrus burst onto the pages of history in 559 B.C., Persia was but a vassal state crushed beneath the heel of the mighty Median Empire. Yet where others saw only subjugation, Cyrus envisaged an independent Persia stretching across continents. At the head of a rebel army, he fulfilled this vision by toppling his Median overlords in a bloodless coup. To the delight of many, Cyrus the conqueror soon proved to be Cyrus the liberator. Rather than...

Hannibal, an ancient warrior who almost conquered Rome, was one of the greatest generals in history. His story of adventure, courage, and cunning began in Carthage, a powerful city-state in North Africa, around 247 BC. Hannibal's father, Hamilcar, was also a famous general who fought against Rome in the First Punic War. Hannibal inherited his father's hatred of Rome, and swore to never be its friend or ally. When he was only nine years old, he accompanied...

In the vast tapestry of history, few figures loom as large and awe-inspiring as Genghis Khan. Born as Temujin in the harsh Mongolian steppes around 1162, his life was a journey from adversity to triumph, marked by courage, cunning, and an unyielding quest for greatness. As a child, Temujin faced hardships unimaginable to many of us today. His father, a respected chieftain, was poisoned, leaving his family vulnerable. Struggling to survive, Temujin...

In this classic book, you'll an epic adventure back in time with Jacob Abbott's biography of Alexander the Great! Join us as we explore the life of ancient Greece and Macedonia's mightiest conqueror and military genius. With Abbott's classic storytelling, you'll journey alongside Alexander as he tames the wild horse Bucephalus, outsmarts the Persian Empire, and crusades to the ends of the known world-from Greece all the way to India! We'll watch...