GATES OF FIRE by Steven Pressfield

[Chuck]

Anyone interested in reading an excellent book check out this title. It is a great read not only from a military history stand point but also from the standpoint of warrior philosophy. In brief synopsis the book is about the Battle of Thermopylae where 300 Spartan Warriors fought for days against the Persian Army invading into Greece. These 300 soldiers died to a man save one & took thousands of Persian soldiers
with them protecting the pass at the Hot Gates. Incredible stuff that gives deep insight into the warrior ethos. Any comments after you have read it let me know.

[Scout]

Gah! you beat me to it, Chuck! After I read this book, I was going to recommned it here, but could never get it posted and promptly forget.

I agree, Gates of Fires is probably the best book I've read. In addition to your points about warrior ethos, military history and tactics--all superb--this book is also well written. I swear I could see the Median archers leveling their bows at the Spartans point blank! Incredible!

[Chuck]

Ditto!

[Enfield]

An amazing book for sure - I'm glad someone's finally done something in-depth about the Spartans. What an amazing society, and what amazing warriors. I'm looking forward to the author's next series on the Peloponnesian (sp?) Wars.

Enfield

[Bravo Five Romeo]

Magnificent book. I couldn't help but reread several chapters... it was just so damned good.

[Hennu]

Yup, it is one damn fine book - actually it made such an impresson to me, that I travelled to Thermopylae to see the place myself.
And well, it is not like in the book anymore: sea has moved three kliks away from there and the Athens-freeway goes thru it.
It does have a cool statue of King Leonidas with the "molon laebe" inscribtion. Also the "go tell the spartans..." stone is furhter up the mountain.
And man, those hot spring smell afwul - do not go there with a hangover...
His new novel about the Peloponessian war was sadly a bit of a letdown...