Gates of Fire: An Epic Novel of the Battle of Thermopylae

"A remarkable book" according to William P. Mchale. A week after finishing, I still can't get it out of my head. Mostly told from the perspective of a man who chose to become a Spartan Helot (i.e. slave) and "squire", it definitely provides an idealized picture of Spartan society. The novel definitely tends to understate some of the less savory aspects of Spartan society. That being said, the novel is more interested in exploring why A remarkable book A week after finishing, I still can't get it out of my head. Mostly told from the perspective of a man who chose to become a Spartan Helot (i.e. slave) and "squire", it definitely provides an idealized picture of Spartan society. The novel definitely tends to understate some of the less savory aspects of Spartan society. That being said, the novel is more interested in exploring why 300 of them would choose to stand and fight when they knew to do so would mean certain death. Wonderful read far better than The 300.. 00 of them would choose to stand and fight when they knew to do so would mean certain death. Wonderful read far better than The A remarkable book A week after finishing, I still can't get it out of my head. Mostly told from the perspective of a man who chose to become a Spartan Helot (i.e. slave) and "squire", it definitely provides an idealized picture of Spartan society. The novel definitely tends to understate some of the less savory aspects of Spartan society. That being said, the novel is more interested in exploring why 300 of them would choose to stand and fight when they knew to do so would mean certain death. Wonderful read far better than The 300.. 00.. Inspiring story of courage and love KansasScout I don't read much historical fiction. I enjoy the picture painted by real events the most. In this case I learned much about the dynamics of ancient Greek culture and how it created the conditions to allow them to repel the east and preserve themselves and our western civilization. One of the profound conclusions drawn by one of the main characters is that love is the opposite of fear. It's love that is the root for sacrifice in the face of overwhelming odds. This book is well-written and it was appropriately organized and st. Chris said Terrific book on warrior mentality and why Soldiers fight. One of the best books on why Soldier's fight, the warrior mentality, and the horrors of war. This book was mandatory reading for one of my classes, and it is still one of my favorite books many years later.

The squire's story indeed reveals the incredible rigors of Spartan training - and more importantly, how the whole culture fostered the mindset of fearlessness. There, a few hundred of Sparta's finest sacrificed their lives to hold back the invading Persian millions. The time they bought enabled the Greeks to rally - saving, according to ancient historian Herodotus, "Western democracy and freedom from perishing in the cradle." How did the Spartans accomplish this superhuman feat? This is what the King of Persia hopes to learn from the sole Spartan survivor. Gates of Fire puts you at the side of valiant Spartan warriors in 480 BC for the bloody, climactic battle at Thermopylae. George Guidall's dramatic delivery enhances the richness and feeling of this inspired recreation.. Steven Pressfield has skillfully combined scholarship and storytelling to bring the whole world of ancient Sparta brilliantly to life