From the Publisher
"With a succinctness worthy of his subjects - whose 'linguistic austerity' inspired the word 'laconic' - Bayliss distils extensive research to offer an engaging, lucid insight into this unique society." — Madeleine Finney, The Mail on Sunday
"A new history of these extraordinary and often terrifying people, which is both scholarly and highly entertaining." — Christopher Hart, Mail Online"A readable, informative, excellent survey." — Brian Maye, The Irish Times"Anyone interested in Sparta should read it, and every school library should own it." — David Stuttard, Classics for All"The Spartans will prove of value not only to the layman interested in learning something about this most famous ancient warrior culture, but also the seasoned student of the subject." — A. A. Nofi, New York Military Affairs"[A] thematic and scholarly treatment." — Paul Cartledge, author of The Spartans: An Epic History "With deceptive ease, [Bayliss] guides his readers not just across well-trodden ground but sometimes to unexpected vantage points from where he can challenge orthodox views... The Spartans punches above its weight, and with 14 black-and-white illustrations (including two maps), references, suggestions for further reading and an index, it's a knockout. Anyone interested in Sparta should read it, and every school library should own it." — David Stuttard, Classics for All"Throughout the book, Bayliss never shouts. Yet, in his quiet, succinct way, he has produced a book that can with some justice claim, 'This is Sparta.'" — Alastair Brans, Australian Book Review