For all the Spartan Army fans out there, I have 3 books you will find of a 'must have' variety. The first, and oldest, is a new edition of the classic "The Spartan Army" by J.F. Lazenby, originally published in softcover form in 1985. This is the best book I have ever read in regards to the Spartan Army of the 5th century BC. It has been much in demand and incredibly difficult and expensive to find, until now. Pen & Sword has published a new edition (2012) in hardcover with all the maps and ills from the original, and has 239 pages. The best thing is that now it is easy to find and afford, around $30. P&S have done a tremendous service by making this new edition available. DO NOT miss it.
The next book is called "Sparta at War: Strategy, Tactics, and Campaigns, 550-362 BC", by Scott Rusch. It covers a large time period and is well detailed about the rise and fall of the Spartan empire, and is 259 pages. It is published by Frontline Books of London, in hardback. I can't find a date but it has just recently showed up, so I am guessing it is a 2012 publication date. It is priced at 25 pounds, so hunt the best price on ABE or Amazon. I paid around $25. This is sure to become a classic.
The third book is an excellent Osprey title. It is #163 of the Warrior series and is called "Spartan Warrior: 735-331 BC", by Duncan Campbell. It is well illustrated, as are all Ospreys, and covers a lot of ground in brief format. It is a good, basic introduction to the subject.
Like all works on this subject, Sparta and it's military, the authors don't always come to the same conclusions on certain details but this makes the reading all that more interesting, especially since the knowledge and translation of sources is always being updated and re-interpreted. These really are essential books, particularly Lazenby and Rusch. -- Al
The next book is called "Sparta at War: Strategy, Tactics, and Campaigns, 550-362 BC", by Scott Rusch. It covers a large time period and is well detailed about the rise and fall of the Spartan empire, and is 259 pages. It is published by Frontline Books of London, in hardback. I can't find a date but it has just recently showed up, so I am guessing it is a 2012 publication date. It is priced at 25 pounds, so hunt the best price on ABE or Amazon. I paid around $25. This is sure to become a classic.
The third book is an excellent Osprey title. It is #163 of the Warrior series and is called "Spartan Warrior: 735-331 BC", by Duncan Campbell. It is well illustrated, as are all Ospreys, and covers a lot of ground in brief format. It is a good, basic introduction to the subject.
Like all works on this subject, Sparta and it's military, the authors don't always come to the same conclusions on certain details but this makes the reading all that more interesting, especially since the knowledge and translation of sources is always being updated and re-interpreted. These really are essential books, particularly Lazenby and Rusch. -- Al