09-25-2009, 08:40 PM
On the title page it states 'an epic NOVEL', not 'an epic historical reference book'. I thought it was a great read, but, even though I am no expert on Greek/ Spartan history, I never thought for one minute that I was reading a 'that's how it was' account of the events of the time. I took it for what it is - entertainment. On the notion that too many of the public think that this sort of thing, along with Hollywood 'historical' movies, are telling history how it was, I would take some issue with. After the release of the film 'Gladiator', one of the most asked questions I had as a Roman reenactor (and still often get) is 'how accurate is Gladiator?' (I would imagine it is the same for other Roman reenactors - isn't it?). Obviously none of these people took it at face value, and I am sure it would be the same for most people and most 'historical' films. I know there must be many, probably too many, people out there that think this sort of thing is real - so fellow reenactors, historians and the like, let's get out there and help educate them. It's what we do.
Oly Martin
