I enjoyed this book but it was less of a biography, more of look at the life and times of Antigonus. This books offers a great overview of the historical situation following the death of Alexander the Great especially in Asia. I would have preferred some more detail and a closers focus but nevertheless this is well written a DJ well researched.

Antigonus the One-Eyed is a comprehensive scholarly look at one of the generals who succeeded Alexander the Great on his death in 323BCE. Originally published in Great Britain in 2014 this reformat and re-release from Pen & Sword 13th May 2020 it's 256 pages and is available in paperback and ebook formats. (Earlier editions available in hardcover format).

The author writes accessibly but meticulously, and builds up the necessary background context for the compelling history of the time and manages to humanize the major players despite the intervening millenia. The author uses a chronological chapter format, starting with Macedonia of the period, through the Alexandrian period, Antigonus' rise and solidification of power, then through the successor war and battles which followed Alexander's death.

The book is meticulously annotated throughout. The author has cited period and later scholarly research to support the narrative. There are 5 appendices as well as copious chapter notes, an exhaustive bibliography, maps, photos (of period artifacts) and a cross referenced index.

The author has a casual academic style of writing; accessible and careful, with proper annotation, but not overly convoluted or impenetrably difficult to read. My only quibble with the editing is that no fewer than 7 places in the text, the author uses "infer" when he clearly means "imply". There were a few other similar errors, but nothing truly egregious.

This would be a great selection for fans of military history, as well as a superlative support text for related academic studies on the time period.

Four stars.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

Antigonus was a character that had more drive than he was given credit for. In his book, Jeff Champion walks us through the life of Antigonus, and the decisions that led to his decisive victories over the Asian holdings after the death of Alexander the Great.

While I was expecting more of a biography, this compilation of information gives a decent look into the life of Antigonus, and the different routes that he took to get to his desired goals. When the death of Alexander changed the course of the known world, many of the generals took what they could, and scattered.

If you enjoy military history, then this is a book that you are going to really enjoy! I did enjoy the read, but there were times where I felt completely bogged down and had to push to continue.

You get information about people that were around him and the wars and battles. A nice look at him and Macedonia. Good for those who have an interest in Classic history or battle history.