Alexander's current focus is on exploring ancient and modern cultures from different parts of the world. The Remarkable Journey of Prince Jen focuses on ancient China, whereas The Arkadians (1995; see separate entry) focuses on the roots of ancient Greek culture. This novel shares with The Remarkable Journey of Prince Jen a quest structure, featuring many diversions from the goal of the quest as well as several separate tales woven into the narrative structure.

The Fortune Tellers, an Alexander book for younger readers, takes place in Cameroon and tells of how a carpenter first consults a disreputable fortune-teller, then seems to prosper.