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Gates of Fire
- An Epic Novel of the Battle of Thermopylae
- Narrated by: George Guidall
- Length: 14 hrs and 55 mins
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Summary
Gates of Fire puts you at the side of valiant Spartan warriors in 480 BC for the bloody, climactic battle at Thermopylae. There, a few hundred of Sparta’s finest sacrificed their lives to hold back the invading Persian millions. The time they bought enabled the Greeks to rally - saving, according to ancient historian Herodotus, “Western democracy and freedom from perishing in the cradle.” How did the Spartans accomplish this superhuman feat? This is what the King of Persia hopes to learn from the sole Spartan survivor. The squire’s story indeed reveals the incredible rigors of Spartan training - and more importantly, how the whole culture fostered the mindset of fearlessness.
Steven Pressfield has skillfully combined scholarship and storytelling to bring the whole world of ancient Sparta brilliantly to life. George Guidall’s dramatic delivery enhances the richness and feeling of this inspired recreation.
What listeners say about Gates of Fire
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- Alexander Harris
- 08-01-22
Great depiction of an epic story
One of the best historic novels I've listened to/read. The BoT remains one of the pivotal points in world history and this is perfectly represented by Pressfield.
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- Charles
- 02-11-23
Amazing way to consume that era of human history
One of the best historical fictions I've read. Was recommended by a friend and I can honestly say they are now my go to person for book recs if this book is anything to go by.
Touches on some difficult subjects but in a respectful way which I really appreciate.
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- WessexFyrd
- 20-01-21
wow
what a book, I become attached to the spartan characters and their journey, and was inspired by their fight to the death against overwhelming odds, this was an emotional ride
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1 person found this helpful
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- Yossarian
- 24-04-23
Excellent historical fiction
This is a great story of a real event and I very much enjoyed the telling of it. It almost feels like an autobiography - recommended for history buffs
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- Jill Desborough
- 17-07-20
Humanises the Spartan ethos and culture
I've always seen Sparta as a difficult country to really admire, quite fascist in some ways and ruthless . This story while it pretty unflinchingly takes us through the brutality of the harshest of training schools as the young men grow to become warriors, does manage to humanise their practices and attitudes and the selflessness of the underlying ethos of Sparta. Country is all. The characters are often sympathetic, humourous and struggle with their own fears and griefs . It's an engrossing, and often moving story of ultimate heroism and sacrifice.
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- Anonymous User
- 23-12-21
one of best books ever read
massive fan of this time period and the author brings it to life so we'll. this would have made a better film than 300 version. hughly recommended
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- Kostadin Ivanov
- 29-10-19
I loved every second of it.
This book has given me more than i could ask for. So much insight and inspiration! Pure treasure for anyone of any gender.
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- Mr Grant W Hutchins
- 21-09-22
An epic tale of heroism and destiny.
This dramatization has all the gore and violence you would expect in such a novel, but quite unexpected is the tenderness and valor portrayed.
Spartans are often portrayed as hardened war machines, but in this depiction they feel the same fear, the same loss as any other.
Driven by a love of their home and moral laws and by rigorous discipline, they faced insuperable odds, yet by their example turned the tide of the Persian-Greco war.
We are seeing similar events in Europe right now, which makes it all the more poignant.
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- Anonymous User
- 30-11-19
Great read
Really skillfully written. I was engaged for the entire story, which was as moving as it was thrilling.
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- Thomas Knight
- 27-08-18
A soldiers life, told in brutal detail by a master
A blend of fiction and history, smattered with truths about humanity that resonates no less because of its ancient setting. I have listened to many hours of George Guidall narration. His ability to portray strong defined characters with the smallest vocal inflection, of any age or gender, is a constant marvel. As always, his measured and weighted delivery gives the listener easy access to a tale of grit, adversity and guts, the latter in every sense of the word.
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