Alcinous is known for his authorship of a handbook called the Handbook of Platonism. He was a Middle Platonist Philosopher and a King who ruled the Phaeacians. His book covers topics from logic to physics to ethics in 36 chapters. He provided hospitality to Odysseus ( legendary king of Ithaca). The Phaeacians were known for their skills as sailors hence he helped Odysseus with men and ships to return him at his home in Ithaca.