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Summary: One of the great war novels.
Review: This book held me from the first page. It fits easily with the great war novels like Shaara's "The Killer Angels", Jones' "The Thin Red Line", and Webb's "Fields of Fire". Pressfield has given us a look into the culture and philosophy of Sparta that has been lacking from any popular accounts of the period. His investigation into the bonds formed among combat soldiers should be read by the MBA's who run our country's defense, from political generals/admirals to the inexperienced bureaucrats and politicians of Clinton's "Free Willie" Defense Department. That said, even those of us shaken by "Saving Private Ryan" understand that the hell of a modern battlefield differs greatly from the hell of the up-close-and-personal, hand-to-hand, sword to shield, nightmare of heavily armored infantry battles in the ancient world.One of the scenes in this book that most stays with me is that of the Spartans Dienekes, Polynikes, Olympieus, and Aristodemos, sent as emissaries to the island of Rhodes to try to rally support for the Greeks. While there, they meet with Egyptian marines (subjects of Persia) and the usual amount of verbal jousting takes place between these men who will soon be fighting each other in Greece. An Egyptian marine teases the Spartans about their short swords, refusing to believe that they are the weapons actually carried into battle. How could such diminutive apple-corers possibly work harm to an enemy? the Egyptian officer wonders aloud. ""The trick is"--Dienekes demonstrated, pressing himself chest-to-chest to the Egyptian Tommie--"to get nice and cozy."" And the Spartans do exactly that at Thermopylae. I can never remember the person who said that "a rational army would run away." but this novel offers an explanation for the men who walk into the maelstrom to certain death, why they do it and for whom. With generals like Leonidas, leading from the front of the phalanx, not from a throne well behind the combat, free men excel in giving their all for their freedom, their families and (can one say it these days?) their god(s). Get this book as quickly as you can and read it--slowly.
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Summary: Spectacular!! History, Drama, and the Heart of Courage.
Review: A Wonderful Novel!!!! If you have an interest in history, Sparta, psychology, or just the love of a good story based in FACT... this is a must read.
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Summary: I was dripping with the spent fluids of life...
Review: Being in the front rank I was driven forward by the push of my comrade's shield in my back. The crush of bodies and shields caused my left arm to give way and yet I pushed forward with my left shoulder buried in my shield. My right arm, my only free limb, plunged and plunged overhand my spear into the faces, throats and chests of Persian Immortals. My arm was being torn by their final blows. The enemy line was giving way... one final push and the day would be ours... ...and then I fell off the sofa, book still in hand, much to the amusement of my wife. This is a fine vicarious treatment of battle, taking its place alongside: "Killer Angels," "Braveheart," "Gettysburg," "Saving Private Ryan" and "The Face Of Battle." There may be better works on the historical context, but "Gates of Fire" provides the emotional and personal aspects of why the Spartans and Thespiaens fought to the death at Thermopylae. A thrilling read.
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Summary: Remarkable insight into a uniquely martial people.
Review: Pressfield has done some fine research not only into the military and social history of the period and the peoples, but he provides an unusually perceptive insight into a uniquely martial people, the Spartans. In Gates of Fire, Pressfield has set a standard of hoplological understanding and excellence that few specialist non-fiction writers achieve, never mind novelists. We congratulate him on an excellent piece of work on the Greek warrior, the hoplite.
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Summary: If there was one book I would buy in '99 it would be Gates
Review: Move over Homer, Pressfield is the next oracle of Delphi. For those of you who loved studying ancient history this is the one.... its definately more exciting than any dusty textbook, or Stephen King novel.
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Summary: A wonderful read
Review: Makes me wish I had a delete button for my (brain) memory so I could enjoy it all over again. Mr Pressfield has brought Sparta back to life, and as for myself, I will never hear the adjective "spartan" in the same context again. Who owns the movie rights?
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Summary: One of the best of modern literature.
Review: Magnificiently written. One of the best of modern literature. I wish all books were written with such emotion. It brings life to each of the characters like I have never read before. Most definately a story worthy of Homer! I reccomend this book to everyone.
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Summary: The definitive story valor and self-sacrifice.
Review: "Gates of Fire" is a novel that breathes dimension and texture into a period of history that is too often portrayed as distant and almost alien to the modern reader.I have read more than a small number of books on ancient Greece, Athens and Sparta. Few, if any, fires the imagination and uplifts the spirit like this novel. Every incident in this book is a well-crafted component used to assemble a new and more complete view of the ancient Spartans.They become more human and even more admirable through Pressfield's depiction. Athens compares second rate to this city-state "made of men and not brick and stone". The story flows so well it is almost impossible to put this book down. The most depressing aspect of the novel is the conclusion this reader came to after its completion - the incredible valor and self-sacrifice exhibited by the "300" at Thermoplylae might be as extinct as their city. I hope not. Read this book! It will tell you far more about the debt we owe these people than a bundle of history books. I cannot recommend this book too highly.
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Summary: Ancient Greek in Modern Language
Review: I became interested in the greco-persian wars about a month ago and the only books I could find on it were basically historical reference books with no feel for the characters. While browsing on amazon I saw a summary of Gates of Fire and got a copy. Unlike other books I've read on the subject this one made people out of the characters instead of flat shapes that have no feelings or personal problems. From the first page Pressfield's characters seem alive, with you there witnessing the events along with them. The conflict between Polynikes and Alexandros shows that Grecians, while sticking to their honor system, have predujuces and dislikes although they would gratefully give their lives for each other in combat. I believe that Pressfield's book brings new enjoyment into a great tale. This book is the best war story I have ever read and look forward to other books published by him.
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Summary: Great battle imagery
Review: Absolutely one the best battle epics I've read.Great characters and an inspiring story line that is almost unthinkable in today's political enviroment.Makes a Texan almost forget the story of the Alamo.The kind of book that makes you want to research in more detail the history behind the story. This would make a GREAT movie (Braveheart without the skirts) My only request is that if a movie is made PLEASE do not cast Leonardo DiCaprio or Adam Sadler in it.
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