Posted by Frank Denton on March 26, 1999 at 13:50:24:
Martin Read mentions the wonderful books of Mary Renault. Not Vancean at all, except that the society and culture are so different from ours, is a relatively new books entitled Gates of Fire by Steven Pressfield. Primarily about the Battle of Thermopylae, but much about Spartan society and its preparations and training for war from early boyhood. Very much a man's book, but an outstanding read. I recommend it.