The Library of Alexandria explores one of the greatest cultural adornments of the late ancient world. The origins of the 'vanished library' of Alexandria lie in the distant echoes of the great library of Pisistratus in Athens, an institution which set the tone for establishing a dominant culture and inspired Alexander the Great to build a library of his own in his empire's most important city. Thus he expanded his cultural and imperial influence and power throughout the known world. The library contained thousands of scrolls of Greek, Hebrew and Mesopotamian literature as well as art and artefacts from Ancient Egypt.

Roy MacLeod has here assembled an array of distinguished scholars to bring this great institution -- tragically destroyed at the fall of Alexandria in 643 -- back to life. They demonstrate how the contemporary reputation of its library helped Alexandria to become a point of convergence for Greek, Roman, Jewish and Syrian culture that drew scholars and statesmen from throughout the ancient world. The Library of Alexandria explores Alexandria as the largest and the greatest Hellenistic city in the ancient world and its site was, in Alexander the Great's own words, 'the very best in which to found a city that would prosper'. And not only did it prosper; it became the home of the greatest library in the ancient world. It was the ikon and guardian of Greek learning and culture, containing a host of scientific, mathematical and medical literature which would decisively influence the medieval and modern worlds, and a vast collection on philosophy, religion and spirituality including the works of Aristotle, Neoplatonism, and the writing of the Mystery Schools and the early Christian fathers. A study of the Library sheds light on the organisation of higher education, and even the book trade, in the ancient world, as well as the connections with the nodal points of Hellenistic culture including Paphos, the Ptolemaic capital of Cyprus. This wide-ranging work which highlights the tragedy of the destruction of Alexandria's ancient and medieval legacy will fascinate both scholars and general readers.