The Spartan (1912)

We read this book along with our homeschool studies on Ancient Greece and the Persian War. My 9yo daughter and I both really enjoyed it, and she continues to reference the material in it several months later. The vocabulary and sentence structure may be difficult for young readers. I read it allowed and my daughter had to stop me periodically and ask me to explain what a word, or occasionally a whole passage, meant. This did not deter from her enjoyment of the story. The book does reference the homosexual culture of men in Ancient Greece, but it does so tactfully. This is a great book for older students and adults, younger students will enjoy it with a little help. Highly recommend.

This book is very good in its descriptive of the time perod which this historical event took place. The famous last stand at Thermopylae is perhaps one of the most storied events in human history. This book takes you to the "Hot Gates" and puts you in the ranks, shoulder-to-shoulder with the Spartan battle contingent. Very well written! I highly recommend this book for personal enjoyment.

Snedeker writes a beautifully descriptive story of life in ancient Sparta. The story follows the life of Aristodemos (an Athenian by birth) who as a young boy is brought to Sparta and immediately placed in a barracks where all Spartan boys are sent to live and train until the age of 30. Life is harsh and unforgiving for boys growing up in Sparta and Aristodemos endures many trials as he grows into adulthood. As a young man, he is one of the 300 Spartans warriors sent to hold the narrow pass at Thermopylae against the Persians. By an unfortunate set of circumstances, Aristodemos is kept from the battle and he is left the only survivor of the 300 brave Spartans. He returns home where is unfairly branded a coward. The story ends at the battle of Plataea where Aristodemos attempts to redeem his reputation. This is a wonderful book for students of Greek history. Snedeker paints a fantastic literary picture of life in the time of the Persian wars. Although this is a fictional novel, it is packed with accurate historical facts that make this period in Greek history come alive for the reader. I highly recommend this book for children in the upper middle school grades through adult. As this book was written in the early 1900's, it may be beneficial for the parent/teacher to discuss the language the author uses to describe some of the relationships between the boys. While there is no sexuality implied, it could be construed as sexual intimacy by today's standards when, for instance the word "lover" is used for "special friend". As I am a Christian homeschooling mom, I would not let this deter you from using this book as home school material, only read it and discuss it with your child. For younger readers, I recommend "Theras and His Town" by the same author for a similar taste of Spartan and Athenian History. Both books are engaging and educational!