• Gates of Fire

  • An Epic Novel of the Battle of Thermopylae
  • By: Steven Pressfield
  • Narrated by: George Guidall
  • Length: 14 hrs and 55 mins
  • 4.8 out of 5 stars (6,229 ratings)

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Gates of Fire  By  cover art

Gates of Fire

By: Steven Pressfield
Narrated by: George Guidall
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Publisher's 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.

©1998 Steven Pressfield (P)1999 Recorded Books, LLC

What listeners say about Gates of Fire

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Outstanding Historical Fiction

I have read the book in print and again with audible. I have no doubt I will listen again soon. In all of the books I have read, it is one of my top 5 of all time. This is by far the best of Pressfield. He has taken some of the historical reference found in Herodotus History and created a remarkable story of personalities, Spartan culture, and wove that into a remarkable story of how a small few, held off a million man army at Thermopylae pass in Greece. It became a rallying cry like the Alamo that resulted in the expulsion of the Persians from Greece and later the basis for Democracy. Really a fun read.

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Simply wonderful

By store the most enjoyable and captivating book on this event. Also, the narrator is fantastic.

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Wonderful take

This story was terrific. The narrator exposes the full breadth of Spartan life and death. The characters are well-drawn and I was moved by their inevitable passing. George Guidall is a national treasure.

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Inspirational

A wonderful historic tale of courage and brotherhood. Well written and well performed. Engaging from beginning to end.

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A must read!

This story shows what it means to stand strong when fate calls your name. Don't skip this one

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Lokas

although the entire book was amazing, this had to be the best part by far

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Great story. Not favorite reader

I originally listened to this with a different reader about 15 years ago. It’s a wonderful story. But this wasn’t my favorite performance.

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Amazing

Best historical fiction I have ever read/listened to. Do yourself a favor if you’re trying to decide whether to get it or not-stop debating and check it out. You’ll thank me later

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The life of a Spartan.

Very intriguing on how Spartans were born and trained to become the great warriors of Sparta.

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Engaging

Highly recommend not listening to this on your drive to work in the mornings, unless you’re ok being late. It’ll keep you listening like you’re binging on a great show.

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