Greek Fiction Books

Οι Πύλες της Φωτιάς, An Epic Novel About the Battle of Thermopylae

Author: Steven Pressfield

Seven days of war and life... In a narrow passage of Mount Callidromos by the sea, known as Thermopylae, far from their homeland, in 480 B.C., three hundred elite Spartan warriors repelled the...

Seven days of war and life... In a narrow passage of Mount Callidromos by the sea, known as Thermopylae, far from their homeland, in 480 B.C., three hundred elite Spartan warriors repelled the thousands of soldiers of the Persian invader and bravely gave their lives, selflessly serving democracy and freedom. A simple inscription on a tombstone shows the...

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  • Release 6/2001
  • Pages Pages 549
  • Cover Cover Soft
  • Translation Translation Vasiliki Kokkinou
  • Publisher Publisher Patakis
  • See all
14 89

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Description

Description

Seven days of war and life... In a narrow passage of Mount Callidromos by the sea, known as Thermopylae, far from their homeland, in 480 B.C., three hundred elite Spartan warriors repelled the thousands of soldiers of the Persian invader and bravely gave their lives, selflessly serving democracy and freedom. A simple inscription on a tombstone shows the place where they are buried.

Pressfield, inspired by that tombstone, has wonderfully combined knowledge with imagination. "Gates of Fire," where the narrator is the sole survivor of that epic battle, an auxiliary of the Spartan infantry who was found half-dead beneath a chariot and taken captive, is an exquisite description of the initiation of a man and women who gifted this immortality to civilization.

Highlighting the epic battle, "Gates of Fire" weaves history, mystery, and tragic love into a literary work that brings the Homeric tradition into the twenty-first century.

[Excerpt from the text on the back cover of the edition]

Manufacturer

See full description

Specifications

Specifications

Author
Steven Pressfield
Publisher
Patakis
Original Title
Gates of Fire
Type
Historical Novel
Subtitle
An epic novel about the battle of Thermopylae
Cover
Soft
Number of Pages
549
Release Date
6/2001
Publication Date
2001
Dimensions
15x21 cm
ISBN-13
9789601600611

Important information

Specifications are collected from official manufacturer websites. Please verify the specifications before proceeding with your final purchase. If you notice any problem you can report it here.

See all specifications

Reviews (53)

Reviews

  1. 46
  2. 7
  3. 3 stars
    0
  4. 2 stars
    0
  5. 1 star
    0
Review this product
  • Paper quality
  • I would read a book by the same author
  • I would recommend it for reading
  • I liked the writing style
  • Was it interesting enough?
  • Was it easy to read?
  • nikitsigouri

    Verified purchase

    I really liked this novel. Presfield wrote it better than a Greek author would have!!!

    Translated from Greek ·
    Did you find this review helpful?
  • A novel that transports you into this relentless, bloody battle. You learn about the way of life of the Lacedaemonians, their values and their laws. You feel the love for the homeland and understand the bravery that the Spartans and the other allies at Thermopylae possessed. The book "hooks" you and is read breathlessly. I highly recommend it, it is simply incredible!

    Translated from Greek ·
    • Was it easy to read?
    • I liked the writing style
    • I would read a book by the same author
    • I would recommend it for reading
    Did you find this review helpful?
  • The first book by Pressfield that I read, and of course after this masterpiece, I read all his books. Gates of Fire is a book that you absolutely must have read. The plot, the emotion, the suspense, you experience it all.

    Translated from Greek ·
    Did you find this review helpful?
  • apostolis_skr
    5
    2 out of 2 members found this review helpful

    It's like living in that time yourself, an amazing book that's perfect for a gift; the author made me want to buy more of his books

    Translated from Greek ·
    • Paper quality
    • Was it easy to read?
    • Was it interesting enough?
    • I liked the writing style
    • I would read a book by the same author
    • I would recommend it for reading
    Did you find this review helpful?
  • mtn
    5
    4 out of 4 members found this review helpful

    Verified purchase

    What can we say about this book.. I am amazed.. I didn't expect it to convince me at all!
    Beautiful writing, you feel like you experienced it yourself and I didn't expect to say that at all..
    I already gave it as a gift and it impressed a tough and difficult reader..
    Well done! I bought three more of his own..

    Translated from Greek ·
    • Paper quality
    • Was it easy to read?
    • Was it interesting enough?
    • I liked the writing style
    • I would read a book by the same author
    • I would recommend it for reading
    Did you find this review helpful?
  • Argirisi20N
    5
    3 out of 3 members found this review helpful

    I will say it in just one word.... Epic.... you feel like you are in the battle and fighting and living with them.. definitely read it..

    Translated from Greek ·
    • Paper quality
    • Was it easy to read?
    • Was it interesting enough?
    • I liked the writing style
    • I would read a book by the same author
    • I would recommend it for reading
    Did you find this review helpful?
  • melimarcrete
    4
    2 out of 2 members found this review helpful

    One of the books I read in high school back in the distant year 2000.. nice writing keeps the interest unchanged!

    Translated from Greek ·
    • Paper quality
    • Was it interesting enough?
    • I liked the writing style
    • I would read a book by the same author
    • I would recommend it for reading
    • Was it relatively easy to read?
    Did you find this review helpful?
  • Corsair2324
    5
    4 out of 4 members found this review helpful

    Awesome book. It requires a little attention in terms of being a novel and some things are not exactly accurate. However, as far as the basic elements surrounding the battle, almost everything is as it happened. The way it presents the story is quite nice because it makes you understand exactly how people lived in that era, both Spartans and other Greeks, as well as Persians. There were moments in the chapters that were about the battle where I felt like I was there too. Sometimes I would pause and try to realize what incredible scenes unfolded at Thermopylae and what kind of people the ancient Greeks were, if one considers them humans and not gods. I also classify this book as one that every man should definitely read. It emphasizes values that a man should have and reminds them in very dangerous times for true masculinity that we live in...

    Translated from Greek ·
    • Paper quality
    • Was it easy to read?
    • Was it interesting enough?
    • I liked the writing style
    • I would read a book by the same author
    • I would recommend it for reading
    Did you find this review helpful?
  • apostolidisrafa
    4
    5 out of 5 members found this review helpful

    Excellent book. I recommend the slow and careful reading of it, as Steven Pressfield describes the scenes in the whole book with incredible detail. With a little imagination, you will also feel like a resident of Sparta!

    Translated from Greek ·
    • Paper quality
    • Was it easy to read?
    • Was it interesting enough?
    • I liked the writing style
    • I would recommend it for reading
    • I might read a book by the same author
    Did you find this review helpful?
  • jackal_h
    5
    7 out of 7 members found this review helpful

    Verified purchase

    For anyone who wants to learn about the people, way of life, and ideals of the Spartans, as well as the significant battles, this is the suitable book. It has an awesome flow and you don't get bored even for a moment. You feel like you are in the midst of the battle, you can smell it, hear it, and see the pain in front of you! I recommend it 100%

    Translated from Greek ·
    Did you find this review helpful?
  • iant
    4
    0 out of 6 members found this review helpful

    "+" - I always love books about Ancient Greece!
    "-" - Too much "filler" and repetitions from the author, not enough variety. You can easily remove two-thirds of the book without losing anything substantial!

    Translated from Greek ·
    Did you find this review helpful?
  • Verified purchase

    very nice book. easy to read and with flow

    Translated from Greek ·
    Did you find this review helpful?
  • Incredible book and amazing writing by Pressfield. Highly recommended to everyone.

    Translated from Greek ·
    Did you find this review helpful?
  • One of the first books that introduced me to historical novels. Steven Pressfield is excellent.

    Translated from Greek ·
    • Was it easy to read?
    • Was it interesting enough?
    • I liked the writing style
    • I would read a book by the same author
    • I would recommend it for reading
    Did you find this review helpful?
  • Nice descriptions of characters, battles, and daily life in ancient Greece

    Translated from Greek ·
    Did you find this review helpful?
  • What descriptions! What scenes! What a wonderful plot and connection of the individual events! I recommend it!

    Translated from Greek ·
    • Paper quality
    • Was it easy to read?
    • Was it interesting enough?
    • I liked the writing style
    • I would read a book by the same author
    • I would recommend it for reading
    Did you find this review helpful?
  • 5
    2 out of 2 members found this review helpful

    If you want to participate in the Battle of Thermopylae, this is the right book for you!

    Translated from Greek ·
    Did you find this review helpful?
  • 5
    1 out of 1 members found this review helpful

    A tremendous, moving, human, heroic, historical novel.

    Translated from Greek ·
    Did you find this review helpful?
  • 4
    2 out of 2 members found this review helpful

    Very good book that brings the Battle of Thermopylae to life!

    Translated from Greek ·
    Did you find this review helpful?
  • Verified purchase

  • Verified purchase

    • Was it easy to read?
    • Was it interesting enough?
    • I liked the writing style
    • I would read a book by the same author
    • I would recommend it for reading
  • Verified purchase

    • Was it easy to read?
    • I would read a book by the same author
    • I would recommend it for reading
  • Verified purchase

  • Verified purchase

  • I really liked this novel. Presfield wrote it better than a Greek author would have!!!

    Translated from Greek ·
    0
  • A novel that transports you into this relentless, bloody battle. You learn about the way of life of the Lacedaemonians, their values and their laws. You feel the love for the homeland and understand the bravery that the Spartans and the other allies at Thermopylae possessed. The book "hooks" you and is read breathlessly. I highly recommend it, it is simply incredible!

    Translated from Greek ·
    0
  • The first book by Pressfield that I read, and of course after this masterpiece, I read all his books. Gates of Fire is a book that you absolutely must have read. The plot, the emotion, the suspense, you experience it all.

    Translated from Greek ·
    0
  • It's like living in that time yourself, an amazing book that's perfect for a gift; the author made me want to buy more of his books

    Translated from Greek ·
    2
  • What can we say about this book.. I am amazed.. I didn't expect it to convince me at all!
    Beautiful writing, you feel like you experienced it yourself and I didn't expect to say that at all..
    I already gave it as a gift and it impressed a tough and difficult reader..
    Well done! I bought three more of his own..

    Translated from Greek ·
    4
  • See all

Description & Specifications

Seven days of war and life... In a narrow passage of Mount Callidromos by the sea, known as Thermopylae, far from their homeland, in 480 B.C., three hundred elite Spartan warriors repelled the thousands of soldiers of the Persian invader and bravely gave their lives, selflessly serving democracy and freedom. A simple inscription on a tombstone shows the place where they are buried.

Pressfield, inspired by that tombstone, has wonderfully combined knowledge with imagination. "Gates of Fire," where the narrator is the sole survivor of that epic battle, an auxiliary of the Spartan infantry who was found half-dead beneath a chariot and taken captive, is an exquisite description of the initiation of a man and women who gifted this immortality to civilization.

Highlighting the epic battle, "Gates of Fire" weaves history, mystery, and tragic love into a literary work that brings the Homeric tradition into the twenty-first century.

[Excerpt from the text on the back cover of the edition]

Manufacturer

Author
Steven Pressfield
Publisher
Patakis
Original Title
Gates of Fire
Type
Historical Novel
Subtitle
An epic novel about the battle of Thermopylae
Cover
Soft
Number of Pages
549
Release Date
6/2001
Publication Date
2001
Dimensions
15x21 cm
ISBN-13
9789601600611

Important information

Specifications are collected from official manufacturer websites. Please verify the specifications before proceeding with your final purchase. If you notice any problem you can report it here.

Reviews (53)

  1. 46
  2. 7
  3. 3 stars
    0
  4. 2 stars
    0
  5. 1 star
    0
Review this product
  • Paper quality
  • I would read a book by the same author
  • I would recommend it for reading
  • I liked the writing style
  • Was it interesting enough?
  • Was it easy to read?
  • nikitsigouri

    Verified purchase

    I really liked this novel. Presfield wrote it better than a Greek author would have!!!

    Translated from Greek ·
    Did you find this review helpful?
  • A novel that transports you into this relentless, bloody battle. You learn about the way of life of the Lacedaemonians, their values and their laws. You feel the love for the homeland and understand the bravery that the Spartans and the other allies at Thermopylae possessed. The book "hooks" you and is read breathlessly. I highly recommend it, it is simply incredible!

    Translated from Greek ·
    • Was it easy to read?
    • I liked the writing style
    • I would read a book by the same author
    • I would recommend it for reading
    Did you find this review helpful?
  • The first book by Pressfield that I read, and of course after this masterpiece, I read all his books. Gates of Fire is a book that you absolutely must have read. The plot, the emotion, the suspense, you experience it all.

    Translated from Greek ·
    Did you find this review helpful?
  • apostolis_skr
    5
    2 out of 2 members found this review helpful

    It's like living in that time yourself, an amazing book that's perfect for a gift; the author made me want to buy more of his books

    Translated from Greek ·
    • Paper quality
    • Was it easy to read?
    • Was it interesting enough?
    • I liked the writing style
    • I would read a book by the same author
    • I would recommend it for reading
    Did you find this review helpful?
  • mtn
    5
    4 out of 4 members found this review helpful

    Verified purchase

    What can we say about this book.. I am amazed.. I didn't expect it to convince me at all!
    Beautiful writing, you feel like you experienced it yourself and I didn't expect to say that at all..
    I already gave it as a gift and it impressed a tough and difficult reader..
    Well done! I bought three more of his own..

    Translated from Greek ·
    • Paper quality
    • Was it easy to read?
    • Was it interesting enough?
    • I liked the writing style
    • I would read a book by the same author
    • I would recommend it for reading
    Did you find this review helpful?
  • Argirisi20N
    5
    3 out of 3 members found this review helpful

    I will say it in just one word.... Epic.... you feel like you are in the battle and fighting and living with them.. definitely read it..

    Translated from Greek ·
    • Paper quality
    • Was it easy to read?
    • Was it interesting enough?
    • I liked the writing style
    • I would read a book by the same author
    • I would recommend it for reading
    Did you find this review helpful?
  • melimarcrete
    4
    2 out of 2 members found this review helpful

    One of the books I read in high school back in the distant year 2000.. nice writing keeps the interest unchanged!

    Translated from Greek ·
    • Paper quality
    • Was it interesting enough?
    • I liked the writing style
    • I would read a book by the same author
    • I would recommend it for reading
    • Was it relatively easy to read?
    Did you find this review helpful?
  • Corsair2324
    5
    4 out of 4 members found this review helpful

    Awesome book. It requires a little attention in terms of being a novel and some things are not exactly accurate. However, as far as the basic elements surrounding the battle, almost everything is as it happened. The way it presents the story is quite nice because it makes you understand exactly how people lived in that era, both Spartans and other Greeks, as well as Persians. There were moments in the chapters that were about the battle where I felt like I was there too. Sometimes I would pause and try to realize what incredible scenes unfolded at Thermopylae and what kind of people the ancient Greeks were, if one considers them humans and not gods. I also classify this book as one that every man should definitely read. It emphasizes values that a man should have and reminds them in very dangerous times for true masculinity that we live in...

    Translated from Greek ·
    • Paper quality
    • Was it easy to read?
    • Was it interesting enough?
    • I liked the writing style
    • I would read a book by the same author
    • I would recommend it for reading
    Did you find this review helpful?
  • apostolidisrafa
    4
    5 out of 5 members found this review helpful

    Excellent book. I recommend the slow and careful reading of it, as Steven Pressfield describes the scenes in the whole book with incredible detail. With a little imagination, you will also feel like a resident of Sparta!

    Translated from Greek ·
    • Paper quality
    • Was it easy to read?
    • Was it interesting enough?
    • I liked the writing style
    • I would recommend it for reading
    • I might read a book by the same author
    Did you find this review helpful?
  • jackal_h
    5
    7 out of 7 members found this review helpful

    Verified purchase

    For anyone who wants to learn about the people, way of life, and ideals of the Spartans, as well as the significant battles, this is the suitable book. It has an awesome flow and you don't get bored even for a moment. You feel like you are in the midst of the battle, you can smell it, hear it, and see the pain in front of you! I recommend it 100%

    Translated from Greek ·
    Did you find this review helpful?
  • iant
    4
    0 out of 6 members found this review helpful

    "+" - I always love books about Ancient Greece!
    "-" - Too much "filler" and repetitions from the author, not enough variety. You can easily remove two-thirds of the book without losing anything substantial!

    Translated from Greek ·
    Did you find this review helpful?
  • Verified purchase

    very nice book. easy to read and with flow

    Translated from Greek ·
    Did you find this review helpful?
  • Incredible book and amazing writing by Pressfield. Highly recommended to everyone.

    Translated from Greek ·
    Did you find this review helpful?
  • One of the first books that introduced me to historical novels. Steven Pressfield is excellent.

    Translated from Greek ·
    • Was it easy to read?
    • Was it interesting enough?
    • I liked the writing style
    • I would read a book by the same author
    • I would recommend it for reading
    Did you find this review helpful?
  • Nice descriptions of characters, battles, and daily life in ancient Greece

    Translated from Greek ·
    Did you find this review helpful?
  • What descriptions! What scenes! What a wonderful plot and connection of the individual events! I recommend it!

    Translated from Greek ·
    • Paper quality
    • Was it easy to read?
    • Was it interesting enough?
    • I liked the writing style
    • I would read a book by the same author
    • I would recommend it for reading
    Did you find this review helpful?
  • 5
    2 out of 2 members found this review helpful

    If you want to participate in the Battle of Thermopylae, this is the right book for you!

    Translated from Greek ·
    Did you find this review helpful?
  • 5
    1 out of 1 members found this review helpful

    A tremendous, moving, human, heroic, historical novel.

    Translated from Greek ·
    Did you find this review helpful?
  • 4
    2 out of 2 members found this review helpful

    Very good book that brings the Battle of Thermopylae to life!

    Translated from Greek ·
    Did you find this review helpful?
  • Verified purchase

  • Verified purchase

    • Was it easy to read?
    • Was it interesting enough?
    • I liked the writing style
    • I would read a book by the same author
    • I would recommend it for reading
  • Verified purchase

    • Was it easy to read?
    • I would read a book by the same author
    • I would recommend it for reading
  • Verified purchase

  • Verified purchase

  • I really liked this novel. Presfield wrote it better than a Greek author would have!!!

    Translated from Greek ·
    0
  • A novel that transports you into this relentless, bloody battle. You learn about the way of life of the Lacedaemonians, their values and their laws. You feel the love for the homeland and understand the bravery that the Spartans and the other allies at Thermopylae possessed. The book "hooks" you and is read breathlessly. I highly recommend it, it is simply incredible!

    Translated from Greek ·
    0
  • The first book by Pressfield that I read, and of course after this masterpiece, I read all his books. Gates of Fire is a book that you absolutely must have read. The plot, the emotion, the suspense, you experience it all.

    Translated from Greek ·
    0
  • It's like living in that time yourself, an amazing book that's perfect for a gift; the author made me want to buy more of his books

    Translated from Greek ·
    2
  • What can we say about this book.. I am amazed.. I didn't expect it to convince me at all!
    Beautiful writing, you feel like you experienced it yourself and I didn't expect to say that at all..
    I already gave it as a gift and it impressed a tough and difficult reader..
    Well done! I bought three more of his own..

    Translated from Greek ·
    4
  • See all
14,89 €
14,00 €   shipping cost