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| | Amazon.com: Gates of Fire: An Epic Novel of the Battle of Thermopylae: Books: Steven Pressfield (Site not responding. Last check: 2007-10-25) |
 | | Rich with historical detail, hot action and crafty storytelling, Pressfield's riveting story reveals the social and political framework of Spartan life?ending with the hysteria and brutality of the spear-thrusting, shield-bashing clamor that defined a Spartan's relationship with his family, community, country and fellow warriors. |
 | | The battle is recorded in Book VII of Herodotus' "Histories." When the Spartans repeatedly repel Xerxes' stunned forces, Herodotus details the scene thus: "...it became clear to all, and especially to the king [Xerxes], that though he had plenty of men, he had but very few warriors." (Histories, Book VII, trans: George Rawlinson). |
 | | Gates of Fire is a wonderful story, vividly told and built on "page-turner" techniques as effective as any I've ever met. |
| www.amazon.com /exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0553580531?v=glance (2458 words) |
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