Rating: 
Summary: Swift-moving, Gripping narrative
Review: For those looking for an "bridged" version of Herodotus, this book is it. Bradford has sailed the seas and walked the areas of the battle to give a "true" account of the battles. He gives due to Xerxes where others do not and is able to pack a punch in each chapter. I did not want to put it down. Recommend people read this account before undertaking a more serious exploration and scholarship of Ancient Greek history. Bradford was an enjoyable read!
Rating: 
Summary: More Greek Than Spartan
Review: Found this book very informative on a battle I had never really heard much about before...however, I bought it to find out more about the Spartans and it doesn't really focus on them. It does cover their part in the battle, but much of the book focuses on the Greeks in general and the overall war with the Persians as opposed to Thermopylae.
The other 'problem' I had after reading the book was that I had no clear sense of hether the Spartans were truly heroic or whether they get a lot more credit for a token resistance (granted, it WAS fatal) than the other Greeks who were present. No doubt about their ability to fight and bravery in the battle, but the other Greeks and the Persians demonstrated bravery too. It almost seemed as if the partans begrudged the rest of the Greek alliance the assistance they did give.
In the end, I know only a little more about the real make-up of Spartan society than I did to start with. At the same time, I know a great deal more about the war with the Persians and I enjoyed learning it.
Rating:
Summary: More Greek Than Spartan
Review: Found this book very informative on a battle I had never really heard much about before...however, I bought it to find out more about the Spartans and it doesn't really focus on them. It does cover their part in the battle, but much of the book focuses on the Greeks in general and the overall war with the Persians as opposed to Thermopylae.
The other 'problem' I had after reading the book was that I had no clear sense of hether the Spartans were truly heroic or whether they get a lot more credit for a token resistance (granted, it WAS fatal) than the other Greeks who were present. No doubt about their ability to fight and bravery in the battle, but the other Greeks and the Persians demonstrated bravery too. It almost seemed as if the partans begrudged the rest of the Greek alliance the assistance they did give.
In the end, I know only a little more about the real make-up of Spartan society than I did to start with. At the same time, I know a great deal more about the war with the Persians and I enjoyed learning it.
Rating:
Summary: Good Overview of the Greco-Persian Conflict
Review: I enjoyed this book as a good overview of the Greek & Persian conflict in the 5th Century BC. The text is easy to read, and the author provided some personal interjections that often (but not always) were thought-provoking. Bradford's more even-handed approach to the 'Great King' Xeres and his campaign (e.g., the meticulous preparation by the Persians) is a welcome change from the overly pro-Athenian historical record.The title of this book is rather misleading as coverage of the actual battle of Thermopylae is only a small portion of the narrative (though it is oft referred to). The constant bickering of the Greek City States is highlighted (perhaps once too often), and the concise background setting to the battles is handled quite well. After perusing this book, it will be abundantly clear why the underdog Greek Hoplite was able to defeat the numerically superior Persians (and their allies) in battle - outstanding leadership, logistics advantages, cunning tactics, and superior weaponry.
Rating:
Summary: Good Overview of the Greco-Persian Conflict
Review: I enjoyed this book as a good overview of the Greek & Persian conflict in the 5th Century BC. The text is easy to read, and the author provided some personal interjections that often (but not always) were thought-provoking. Bradford's more even-handed approach to the 'Great King' Xeres and his campaign (e.g., the meticulous preparation by the Persians) is a welcome change from the overly pro-Athenian historical record. The title of this book is rather misleading as coverage of the actual battle of Thermopylae is only a small portion of the narrative (though it is oft referred to). The constant bickering of the Greek City States is highlighted (perhaps once too often), and the concise background setting to the battles is handled quite well. After perusing this book, it will be abundantly clear why the underdog Greek Hoplite was able to defeat the numerically superior Persians (and their allies) in battle - outstanding leadership, logistics advantages, cunning tactics, and superior weaponry.
Rating:
Summary: The History Behind "Gates of Fire"
Review: I read this book after reading Steven Pressfield's Gates of Fire. If you are interested in the historical background surrounding the Battle of Thermopylae, this is an excellent resource. It is thought-provoking and gives a good account of the events surrounding the epic battle. It is not so burdened with names and dates that it becomes unwieldy. This is one of the more enjoyable historical accounts that I have encountered recently.
Rating:
Summary: The History Behind "Gates of Fire"
Review: I read this book after reading Steven Pressfield's Gates of Fire. If you are interested in the historical background surrounding the Battle of Thermopylae, this is an excellent resource. It is thought-provoking and gives a good account of the events surrounding the epic battle. It is not so burdened with names and dates that it becomes unwieldy. This is one of the more enjoyable historical accounts that I have encountered recently.
Rating: 
Summary: Less about Thermopylae than it was about events surrounding
Review: I was disappointed in that I wanted to know more about the battle of Thermopylae... this book went on about all the events and moves of Xerxes/Greeks before and after... very little was spent on Thermopylae itself. The title was extremely misleading.
Rating:
Summary: "Ought to be a Speilberg Movie," He Said
Review: I've read this book twice now. Indeed, some losses shine more brightly than a dozen victories. If the story of Leonidas and his several thousand countrymen in their volunteer suicide mission at the fateful pass of Thermopylae doesn't make your heart ache and your eyes wet, then you're already dead. Mr. Bradford, as other historians, also recognizes what the Greeks did for our culture by stemming the Eastern Tide as it prepared to wash over Europe. The author doesn't pretend academic position. He just tells a great story. Great because it's true, and great because good men and women everywhere can see that selflessness is timeless in the Greek sacrifice at that high mountain pass.
Rating:
Summary: Perfect Companion to "Gates of Fire"
Review: Somewhere in my youth, I became hooked on ancient Greek History after catching the "300 Spartans" matinee (I think Richard Elam was Leonidas). Several years ago, I read Steven Pressfield's "Gates of Fire." I found it fascinating and consider it today, the best book I have ever read. I just finished Bradford's "Thermopylae: Battle for the West." Mesmerizing! An absolutely perfect, non-fiction companion to "Gates of Fire." Thermopylae actually occurs about halfway through the book. Bradford does a brilliant job of setting the stage by giving the reader the events, politics, personalities, strategies, etc. that led up to the battle. He finishes his book by taking the reader through the key engagements (like Salamis and Plataea) that conclude this crossroads in history. If you enjoy ancient history (particularly ancient, military history), this is a book for you. It's an easy read through 250 pages packed with details and incidents that are sure to capture your interest.
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