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Summary: One of the best books I've ever read
Review: I found this book really interesting and very moving at some times. Pressfiled writes this as if you were standing there with them. The book moves very smoothly, and sometimes the character developement could be a little bit better, but it was not that big of a deal. The way he uses the greek words in there is sometimes annoying because you got to constantly go back and look them up. Some of us just do not know that language. He should have made it a little bit more reader friendly. Other than that the book was amazing with all the details he puts in it. He obviously did the research for this book, and being a fellow writter I understand what he went through. If you like to read about war and inner struggle then this book will be your cup of tea. I absolutely loved this book, and I suggest that you go out and read it right away before all the copies are gone.
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Summary: A Gripping Story of Thermopylae
Review: The force of the Persian Empire is poised to overrun the tiny Greek peninsula. Between those vast armies of the Persian despot Xerxes and the cradle of Western civilization is a narrow pass called Thermopylae, whose defense has been pledged by the Spartans. "Gates of Fire" is the story of the Spartans who defended that pass."Gates of Fire" is a gripping story that is sure to excite and inform. For those who have never heard of this battle, Pressfield presents the battle in its necessary historical context. For those who know the history, there is a thoroughly enjoyable tale that breathes life into familiar historical parts. I have only two objections to this otherwise engaging story. First, Pressfield really does exaggerate the importance of the battle and the worth of the Spartans. The Spartans had been out to lunch earlier, when the Athenians--who here get short shrift--defeated the Persians at Marathon. And these Persians--a monarchy with a taste for blood and slavery--were cultural brothers to the Spartans, at least much more than the Spartans were brothers to the Athenians (who later fought each other). Last, the Spartans didn't even succeed at stopping the Persians, who were able to go on to sack Athens, which deserved saving more than any other city-state. My other objection is that the author very clumsily injected Spartan gender equality in the novel: the role of the women was never believable in the story, though Spartan women really did play an important role in Spartan society.
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Summary: The mystery of war
Review: While Pressman's book does not redefine the war novel, his work is well-researched and immersive, taking you into the language and way of life of Greece in the 300's BC. More proof that the settings of the past can be as far from our own experience as Middle Earth. I cannot agree with Ms. Ordway that this book is pro-war. On the contrary, the state of mind of men in battle is examined in several Socratic dialogues that are some of the strongest scenes in the novel. The warrior's emotional state is similar to someone in a rigorous religious retreat: very fragile, but occasionally of surpassing intensity.
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Summary: Interesting culture, too much pro-war propaganda.
Review: I found the depiction of the Spartan culture to be interesting, though I can't say whether it was accurate or not. I did get really sick of the glorification of war throughout the novel. Any sympathy I might have had for the bravery of the defense of Thermopylae had long since evaporated after all the preceding rah-rah macho attitude about war. I wouldn't have minded if it were the *characters* who felt that killing was OK -- after all, this was a warrior culture -- but I felt that the author was really trying to proclaim that war is great, which really put me off. And, honestly, the story wasn't all that compelling. I didn't care much about the different characters, including the narrator, and I couldn't really keep them straight in my head.
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Summary: Valor Among Men
Review: You will feel as if you are there, panting and heaving, your comrade's taut flanks pressing with you towards the Persian line at the battle of Thermopyle. As a survivor of infantry combat, I can attest to this book's accurate portrayal of the closeness that only can form among men fighting other men in the Western tradition. You will feel as if you are there, gazing with admiration at the glistening supple loins of the Spartans as they do their morning gymnastics.
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Summary: A Great Inspiration
Review: Pressfield's novel is a joy to read. It contains all the elements needed to make a great book: detailed descriptions, believable characters, a vast array of emotions, and a story that sweeps the reader along. From the first page the reader is drawn into the everyday life and struggles of the Ancient Spartans. One can see their strengths, weaknesses, loves, disappointments, and determination. All in all an excellent work. Most importantly, however, the book inspires the reader (at least this one) to learn more. It instills in its audience a thirst for the history of the period, and it compels the reader to embark on his own quest to research what happened to these brave men and why. An excellent novel and a great inspiration to further reading and research. 5 STARS!
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Summary: Thoughts on Gates of Fire
Review: Gates of Fire is an epic novel of the Battle of Thermopylae,written in Homeric style.It is an excellent book that tells of Spartan trianing practices,ancient Greek culture,war and peace,and the like.The author,Steven Pressfield,also did a great job mixing together the elements that make a good,well-written nvel: action, conflict, drama, romance,and historical fact. In my opnion,the auhor did a decent job descirbing and human nature in his novel.You could clearly notice the emoitions of love, lust, greed, grief,lost,and rage being used by the author to give expression and excitment to the storyline.
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Summary: Not earth-shattering, but...
Review: I've read this stuff before. Sven Hassel (in the days of my youth) wrote books about a group of German Army misfits fighting on the Russian Front in WWII. Hassel's descriptions of close-quarter combat are very similar to those described in Gates of Fire. Although Pressfield's research is good, I do wish that he would have omitted the part about the Spartan raid on Xerxes's camp. Rawlinson (the translator of Herodotus) seriously doubts whether this actually took place and attributes the incident to embellishment by Diodorus and, later, Justin and Aristides. If you've read Herodotus's History before you've read Gates of Fire, the latter is a let down. If not, be sure to read History afterwards.
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Summary: Fantastic historical novel!
Review: This book is a phenomenal look at a Spartan and militaristic society. It describes in full detail the love, loyalty and duty that military personnel feel towards one another as they face the ultimate test. It also shows the trials and travails that develop the necessary requirements of a person who will sacrifice their very life for their country. The novel is clearly written and fast paced for an exciting read. Steven Pressfield's ability to draw upon the experiences of Persians, Spartans, soldiers, women, servants and kings to create this historically significant event makes this book one of the best I have ever read. The author is not trying to advocate a 21st Century Spartan society, he is brilliantly depicting a historical event while exploring some remarkable truths about what it takes to be a soldier. Anyone with an open mind about history, philosophy or military affiars will love this novel!
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Summary: come and get 'em
Review: The first time I read the book it took me a long time to finish. Let me explain if I may. For you see I did not want the book to end, that moment in time has always enthralled me and now it's characters have brought that moment to life. In this day of differences the author reminds us on the morning of the last day when prior to battle; the Spartan"Knights", Thesbians allies,slaves, squires,and the Spartan king Leoniedas himself, faced each other and all exchanged arms,armor and the crimsom cloaks. They were now all one, race, station and virture was irrelivant. A very human issue, especially in our modern times. Maybe we could learn from this? I knew what was going to happen in the end and that is why it took me so long to finish. Raving about it I actually lent the book out before I had concluded it. Upon finishing the book Pressfeild's conclusion of the story does not leave the reader cheated of closure. I would hope, on a personal note that the book done with quality so deserved, is made into a movie.
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