The Golden Mean

Aristotle’s concept of the Golden Mean refers to the virtuous point of balance between extremes. Lyon’s intriguing novel is ostensibly the story of Aristotle and his pupil Alexander the Great, who struggle to find this balance, however much richness is found in the complex web of their other relationships.

Aristotle’s relationships with Alexander’s brother Arrhidaeus — left with a mental age of five after a childhood illness — with his young wife Pythias, his slave Athea and his companion Herpyllis are particularly illuminating and our view of Alexander is transformed through the interactions with his brother, with Pythias and with the theatre director Carolus.

Aristotle is, through circumstance and character, an obvious outsider, but it is more surprising to see Alexander’s isolation and need for approval revealed so vividly.

There is much to be savoured in this book, particularly in Lyon’s thematic use of extremes and contrast.

Philip develops his military prowess while Aristotle works on his mind.

Alexander, the hyper-intelligent and warlike younger brother, is frightened and ashamed of the gentle, damaged Arrhidaeus. The restraint of Pythias mirrors the earthy pleasures of Herpyllis, who shows Aristotle the female orgasm.

Lyons present the issues of a 343BC society in a way that has tremendous resonance today, especially the dynamics of sex, power and the negative effects of war and post-traumatic stress.

The eventual parting of teacher and student leaves me wanting to know more — especially about Alexander’s development.

An afterword tells us that his behaviour became increasingly erratic and that Hephaestion (frustratingly sketched but probably Alexander’s lover) remained his constant companion. Rich pickings for a sequel.