Xenophon's Retreat

[Javolenus]

Hi Guys,

This may not be the right place to mention books, but I couldn't resist posting about a new book I just started reading called 'Xenophon's Retreat' by Robin Waterfield. I'm not an expert on Greek warfare but the opening chapter was enough to get me hooked. The book is basically a retelling of Xenophon but contains a detailed study of hoplite warfare and much background info to the period. I'm finding it really fascinating.

[Balikedes]

I'm actually reading 'The Ten Thousand' by Ford right now which is a fictional retelling of Xenophon's retreat. Pretty good book I might say...definitely a fun read.

[Javolenus]

Hi Balikedes,

Thanks for this reply - excellent, it's useful to swap thoughts on good books. Once you get interested in a period, you need to find out more about it - right?

[Agisilaos]

I'm actually reading 'The Ten Thousand' by Ford right now which is a fictional retelling of Xenophon's retreat. Pretty good book I might say...definitely a fun read.

do you mean the book of Michael Curtis Ford? if yes, i read it the previous summer and i liked it a lot

[Celt Centurion]

I'm actually reading 'The Ten Thousand' by Ford right now which is a fictional retelling of Xenophon's retreat. Pretty good book I might say...definitely a fun read.

Balikedes,

You and I seem to have a similar taste for books. Gates of Fire was one. I shall soon be starting in on "The Ten Thousand" as well.

Presently, I'm reading what has got to be one of the longest running series, "The Sharpe Series" by Bernard Cornwell. I'm presently reading "Sharpes Sword." I tend to alternate between "recent" historical fiction and "ancient" historical fiction. I am also working my way through a another series by Cornwell set around Alfred the Great.

Two more series which I've read all of were the "Emperor" Series by Conn Iggulden and "The Camulod Chronicles" by Jack Whyte. Emperor starts and ends with Julius Caesar. The Camulod Chronicles start with two Romans at Hadrian's Wall and ends with King Arthur's story being told by Lancelot. You may wish to check them out.

I'm looking forward to The Ten Thousand.

Strength and Honor

Celt Centurion

[Balikedes]

Absolutely, I've dug myself a hole with all the books I have. I just can't keep up.
I actually just finished the book (The Ten Thousand), it was pretty good but IMO not as good as Gods and Legions another book by Ford.
Gods and Legions had a lot more to relate to as far as I'm concerned. The emperors pagan beliefs clashing with the Roman world converting to Christianity and the struggle between the two halves of the empire was pretty cool.