
Tides of War
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Narrated by:
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Derek Jacobi
About this listen
The Peloponnesian War, one of history’s most pivotal conflicts, comes to vibrant life in this “unabashedly brilliant, epic, intelligent, and moving” (Kirkus Reviews) novel from the best-selling author of Gates of Fire.
“Pressfield’s battlefield scenes rank with the most convincing ever written.”—USA Today
Brilliant at war, a master of politics, and a charismatic lover, Alcibiades was Athens’ favorite son and the city’s greatest general.
A prodigal follower of Socrates, he embodied both the best and the worst of the Golden Age of Greece. A commander on both land and sea, he led his armies to victory after victory.
But like the heroes in a great Greek tragedy, he was a victim of his own pride, arrogance, excess, and ambition. Accused of crimes against the state, he was banished from his beloved Athens, only to take up arms in the service of his former enemies.
For nearly three decades, Greece burned with war and Alcibiades helped bring victories to both sides—and ended up trusted by neither.
Narrated from death row by Alcibiades’ bodyguard and assassin, a man whose own love and loathing for his former commander mirrors the mixed emotions felt by all Athens, Tides of War is an epic saga of an extraordinary century, a war that changed history, and a complex leader who seduced a nation.
Critic reviews
“Pressfield’s battlefield scenes rank with the most convincing ever written.” (USA Today)
“Unabashedly brilliant, epic, intelligent, and moving.” (Kirkus Reviews)
“Pressfield’s attention to historic detail is exquisite.... This novel will remain with the reader long after the final chapter is finished.”(Library Journal)
I don't really *do* fiction so can't comment on it as a novel. But it's great as history, it made these historical characters relatable for me.
I think you need a decent understanding of the war already, to follow the narrative of this story. For example the author takes no time to explain the city states, if you are not already aware of terms like Lacedaemonian, Thrace, or Hellespont then much of this book might pass you by you will be wondering what is going on. So my recommendation: download first the audio book for "The Peloponnesian War" by "the Great Courses" it's on Audible , or listen to Donald Kegan's Yale lecture series which is on YouTube.
Very enjoyable if you want to go deeper into this interesting period of history of war and democracy.
Great for going deeper into the period.
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Brilliant!
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Fabulous storytelling
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overall good
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The structure is more confusing as I didn't know much about the Penopolisian Wars and the framing device is an Assassin on trial for murder telling an Officer telling his Grandson the story which can be confusing.
The book makes a good attempt of Athens herself being a character with her swings in opinions and favour a core issue, arguing that full direct democracy leads to absurb mob results (execution of Socrates, banishment of their greatest generals).
All with Pressfield's trademark realism in warfare and philosophical issues.
Great look at Hellenic Greek life
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Brilliant!
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Fantastic book
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