This book is quite simply the best review of the key battle of Platea in existence. I've read numerous accounts of this battle as part of, or chapters in, other books, and every one, was, to different degrees, unsatistisfying with many questions raised. This one is not, it is very explanatory and very satisfying. The big problem is that we have one basic ancient account (one) of the battle, by Herodotus, along with some minor details provided from a few later sources. The author makes the most of what Herodotus provides us, combines it with a detailed analysis of the topography, uses rational reasoning and gives us a excellent view of this ancient battle. The modern day photographs, excellent maps of troop movements, and wider grasp of the larger issues in the Greek Persian wars, and the understandings of the Greek polis city states of the time are all extra gravy to an outstanding work. Make no mistake about it, this author knows his stuff--both in wide range and detail. A lot of state of the art knowledge and debate of the arms, armour, tactics, and makeup of both the Greek and Persian forces, are discussed and analyzed, as part of the excellent flow of the book.
There is also a small section (5 written pages) on the Greek victory at Mycale in Ionia, which occured on the same day as the final day's fight at Platea, according to Herodotus. There are 4 double page, color drawings of battle action that are a cut above the usual Osprey color drawings of static drawings of soldiers showing dress, arms, and equiptment. The 4 color drawings are as follows, (1)-the Athenian archers and "picked men" engaging the Persian calvary on the first day of the battle, (2)-The Persian calvary raiding the Greek supply train, (3)-The Spartans engaged in hand to hand fighting with the elite Persian units, near the temple of Demeter, on the last day, right before the death of Mardonius, (4)-The Athenian assault on the Persian fort at Mycale. These are great portrayals of key moments. Of course, I wish there were more, but these add to everything else in this fine book.
If I have one minor, minor quibble, it is that the author doesn't mention until near the end that the ancient neighboring village of Erythrae was in a probable different location from the modern village of a similar name (Erythres). This confused me a little as I was following, in detail, the author's excellent relation of the events of the multi-day battle. Minor quibble in a great work.
Five Stars!
A spotlight shines on a previously obscure and neglected, yet tremendously important piece of history.
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From the Publisher
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Full colour battlescenesBeautifully illustrated battlescenes are included to bring the narrative of the conflict to life. |
Three-dimensional ‘bird’s-eye-views'Each three-dimensional 'bird's-eye view' is meticulously researched to recreate the actual battlefield at that point in history with accurate contour detail, scaling, landscaping and terrain features. |
MapsDetailed historical maps frame each battle or campaign, and provide the key historical context. |
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Reviewed in the United States on January 30, 2012
Reviewed in the United States on February 6, 2012
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Top reviews from other countries
AndyN
A good read and an interesting time in history
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on July 31, 2023E. Bourgeois
live and interesting - I recommend for anyone who loves epic antiquity
Reviewed in Canada on November 23, 2014Eric le rouge
One of the best Osprey
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on June 17, 2012M.I.
A touch of hyperbole, but otherwise readily readable, and necessary.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on November 5, 2017