Gates of fire
an epic novel of the Battle of Thermopylae
by Steven Pressfield · first published 1998
71% recommend29% neutral
Why HN recommends it
Historical novel of the Spartan stand at Thermopylae, praised for its tempo, characters and story, and for a historically grounded look at Spartan discipline and outlook. Suits readers who like inspiring war fiction.
Summarised by Claude from recommending comments
Godine 480.pr.Kr. kod Termopila (Vruća vrata) na sjeveru Grčke odigrala se najveličanstvenija bitka za slobodu tijekom čitave povijesti čovječanstva. U uskom planinskom prolazu iznad Egejskog mora sukobilo se 300 spartanskih vitezova s nadmoćnim snagama perzijskog kralja Kserksa. Od samog početka bilo je jasno da će Spartanci izgubiti bitku. Zašto su ipak bili spremni poginuti? Priča zarobljenog roba Kseona otkrit će tajnu tog podviga i poslati svima poruku o neuništivom dostojanstvu jednog naroda. Vatrena vrata epski su roman naturalističnih prizora bitaka zbog čije će vam se uvjerljivosti či
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…Emperors New Mind - Roger Penrose Godel, Escher, Bach - Douglass Hoffstadter Brocas Brain - Carl Sagan The (mis)Behavior of Markets - Benoit Mandelbrot The Black Swan - Nicholas Nassem Taleb Fiction Gates Of Fire - Stephen Pressfield Neuromancer - William Gibson Snow Crash - Neal Stephenson Hardwired - Walter Jon Williams Altered Carbon - Richard Morgan Red Mars - Kim Stanley Robinson Space - Stephen Baxter…
on “Ask HN: What book have you given as a gift?” ↗There's a historically accurate novel about a Spartan boy's coming-of-age. "Gates of Fire" by Steven Pressfield - a very good read and widely celebrated classic.
on “Spartan School (2019)” ↗The War of Art - Stephen Pressfield - how to overcome yourself Gates of Fire - same as above, the story of the stand at Thermopylae Agincourt & 3 part series Archer's tale - Bernard Cornwell - accounts of medievil warfare StrengthsFinder 2.0 - Tom Rath - take a test and discover…
on “Ask HN: Interesting (Non software) books?” ↗…Virtues of War with The Afghan Campaign -- which is also about Alexander, but focused entirely on the time he spent in Afghanistan. There are some astounding parallels to today. Then, when you're done, Gates of Fire is a classic (Pressfield's novel on the Battle of Thermopylae). Tides of War is on the Peloponnesian War that followed.
on “Alexander The Great's Battle at the River Jhelum” ↗Gates of Fire by Steven Pressfield It gives a glimpse in the mindset of how the Spartans viewed life and how disciplined they were. Its a really inspiring book in the sense that it gives you a view of how they (supposedly)…
on “Ask HN: Great fiction books that have had a positive impact on your life?” ↗Another great one is "Gates of Fire" by Pressfield
on “Warfighting (1997) [pdf]” ↗Stephen Pressfield is fantastic. Besides "Gates of Fire," I've read "The Afghan Campaign" and "The Virtues of War," two novels about Alexander The Great. Very highly recommended.
on “Ask HN: Interesting (Non software) books?” ↗If you have never read any of Pressfield's work than you are in for a treat. Gates of Fire is one of my all time favorite books. He even knows how to craft words from a secondary language (Greek).
on “The Most Important Writing Lesson I Ever Learned” ↗Gates of Fire, by Steven Pressfield, because I realized how simple are my own troubles compared to those 300 spartans that faced death against a force that easily was 1000 times bigger. Now every time I’m facing difficults…
on “Ask HN: What's one book that changed your life?” ↗…history of a shipwreck and subsequent mutiny that occurred off the coast of Australia in 1629 when Dutch traders were exploring a new route to the East Indies. Much better than expected from the cover. Gates of Fire - Historical fiction that tells the story of the Spartan 300 and the battle of Thermopylae. Lived up to it’s high recommendation. A People’s Tragedy: The Russian Revolution: 1891-1924 - still working…
on “Ask HN: Books you read in 2018?” ↗Pressfield's historical fiction (Gates of Fire, etc.) is top-notch. If you haven't read them, I highly recommend.
on “Nobody wants to read your shit (2009)” ↗Gates of Fire by Steven Pressfield is a favorite of mine.
on “Ask HN: Which are some of the best books on Mental Toughness?” ↗This author specialises in historical fiction. I remember reading a book of his (Gates of Fire) maybe 15 years ago and in my opinion he sticks to his prescribed advice well. That book had a great tempo, great characters, great story. It respected my time as a reader. The flip side is that it's…
on “Nobody wants to read your shit (2009)” ↗I came across Yon years ago by way of his "Gates Of Fire" blog entry. His account of combat (which he was personally drawn into in this case) is the most gripping I've ever read. Well worth a read to get a sense of the chaos and terror of urban combat. How…
on “The Kopp-Etchells effect” ↗…Great’s conquests is absolutely recommend The Virtues Of War by Steven Pressfield. Pressfields books are some f my favorite: as historically accurate as possible with a great story to keep you engaged. Gates of Fire, by him, would be another recommended period piece.
on “The Death of Alexander the Great: One of History's Great Unsolved Mysteries” ↗