Historical Fiction of Steven Pressfield

Steven Pressfield is an American novelist who has recently captured my attention with his literary art. Though I primarily read non-fictitious work including biographies, documentaries, and some historical textbooks, the novels associated with this author have stolen my preference to remain doing so. Instead, I indulge in ancient battles, legendary conquests, and the mysterious characters created by no other than Steven Pressfield, himself. Of course, the praise and favor I so eagerly express herein is simply a matter of opinion. However, readers who gladly find an interest in ancient warfare may similarly add Pressfield to their "greatest authors" list.

Gates of Fire

Gates of Fire is the first book I read by Steven Pressfield. It is on the Commandant of the Marine Corps reading list, so gladly I took notice to the novel and immersed myself in the ancient, ever popular Battle of Thermopyle. The tale is recounted by a Spartan Helot known as Xeones, the soul Greek survivor. The Persian King Xerxes commands his surgeons to keep the wounded Helot alive long enough to learn of the events that triggered the Greek actions. Xeones recalls his childhood life and explores his admission into Greek society, the lives of fellow Spartans (including King Leonidas), and detailed descriptions of Spartan warfare. There is no comparison and very few similarities to the "300" film.

The Afghan Campaign

The Afghan Campaign details the invasion and conquest of Alexander the Great. However, Alexander is only mentioned through various parts of the novel because the narrator is a Macedonian soldier named Matthias. Similar to Gates of Fire, this novel provides detailed descriptions of ancient warfare, how each soldier is properly trained to engage in battles, and encompasses the lives of selected characters. I found the characters very colorful. Matthias, for example, initially joins the army with a friend who is similarly eager to kill the enemy. Throughout the story though, he is compelled to return home and envisions a life with family and friends. Through Matthias, we learn of human nature and how each is affected by war, sex, love, and contempt, and how even the most mindset individuals are forced to form a different opinion after experiencing these firsthand.

The Legend of Bagger Vance

The Legend of Bagger Vance, published five years before the movie was released, is a fictional story of a once promising golfer named Rannulph Junah. Junah returns home from World War I traumatized, and though he should be greeted as hero, silently hides in his home as a recluse. The economy is in a depression and the town of Savannah needs to promote the most luxurious golf course by inviting two of the greatest golfers to have ever played. Junah, the local hero, is asked to participate to support the town's image and finally agrees to play after his mysterious caddie, Bagger Vance, offers his services. For those who have seen the film, the book is very similar. The only differences is that Bagger Vance's character is already in the company of Junah, and his character is described in much more detail. Vance's character is used to symbolize a God who assists Junah in following his righteous path as a hero.