The Spartans: An Epic History by Paul Cartledge
The Spartans: An Epic History by Paul Cartledge traces Sparta from 480 to 360 BC, combining accounts of its society and military power with biographies of key figures. The listing describes this as a new edition with a new cover.
At a glance
- Covers Sparta's history from 480 to 360 BC, from its influence in the Aegean Greek world to its decline.
- Combines historical context with biographies of prominent figures.
- The listing describes discussion of Spartan warfare, the Helots, and women's education and activities.
Reference price: $29.99
Price checked: 14 Nov 2026
View offerAhead of Black FridayExplore the selectionOften bought together
Pros and cons
Pros
- A focused historical account with a defined period and setting, suited to readers seeking an overview of ancient Sparta.
- The biographical approach adds individual lives alongside broader political and social history.
Technical specifications
10 specifications| Publisher | Picador |
|---|---|
| Edition | New Edit/Cover |
| Publication date | 19 August 2025 |
| Language | English |
| Print length | 304 pages |
| Reading age | 18 years and up |
| ISBN-10 | 1035062771 |
|---|---|
| ISBN-13 | 978-1035062775 |
| Dimensions | 13 x 2 x 19.7 cm |
|---|---|
| Weight listed | 206 g |
What to know before buying
- The description says the book is part of the Picador Collection and identifies a new edition and cover. Confirm the edition and cover details if those distinctions matter to your purchase.
Who is it for?
A good fit for
- Readers interested in ancient Greek history, Spartan society and military history.
- Buyers looking for a compact, 304-page English-language history with biographical material.
Less suited to
- Readers seeking a light or purely fictional treatment. The listing presents this as a researched historical account.
- Readers who prefer consistently brisk prose, as customer feedback reports mixed reactions to the writing and narrative.
Customer reviews on Amazon
- 5 stars
60% 60% - 4 stars
24% 24% - 3 stars
9% 9% - 2 stars
4% 4% - 1 star
3% 3%
Customer feedback praises the book as informative and well researched, with some finding its scholarship engagingly presented. Reactions to the writing, readability and narrative are mixed, including reports that it can feel rambling or repetitive. For readers seeking a detailed account of Sparta, that variation in reading experience may matter as much as the book's 304-page length. Aggregate ratings lean positive overall, but do not establish why individual readers rated it as they did.
Positive themes
- Readers describe the book as informative and praise its research.
Negative themes
- Some readers describe the writing as rambling or waffling and the book as boring or repetitive.
Mixed feedback
- Feedback is divided on the writing style, narrative and readability.
Frequently asked questions
What period does The Spartans: An Epic History cover?
The listing says it traces Sparta from 480 to 360 BC.
How long is the book?
The listed print length is 304 pages.
What is the reading experience like according to customer feedback?
Feedback praises the book's information and research, but reactions to the writing, readability and narrative are mixed. Some readers find it engaging, while others describe it as rambling, repetitive or boring.
Alternative options
Thermopylae: The Battle That Changed the World
$23.05
Assyria: The Rise and Fall of the World's First Empire
$21.24
The Rise of Rome: The Making of the World's Greatest Empire
$41.76
1177 B.C.: The Year Civilization Collapsed: Revised and Updated: 1
$25.49
Circe: The Sunday Times Bestseller: From the Women's Prize-winning author of the multi-million copy international bestseller The Song of Achilles
$16.32
