For a period of some 200 years Sparta was acknowledged throughout the Greek world as the home of the finest soldiers. Xenophon called them the only true craftsmen in matters of war. Nic Fields explains the reasons for this superiority how their reputation for invincibility was earned (and deliberately manipulated) & how it was ultimately shattered. The Spartan Way examines how Spartan society through its rigid laws & brutal educational system was thoroughly militarized & devoted to producing warriors suited to the intense demands of hoplite warfare
- professional killers inculcated with the values of unwavering obedience & a willingness to fight & die for their city. The role of Spartan women as mothers & wives in shaping the warrior ethic is considered as are the role of uniform & rigorous training in enhancing the small-unit cohesion within the phalanx & the psychological intimidation of the enemy. The final chapters chart the course of Spartas successes through the period of the Persian & Peloponnesian Wars through the Corinthian & Theban wars of the fourth century BC which culminated with the shattering military defeats at Leuctra & 2nd Mantinea & the years of her decline with the Spartans as a source of mercenaries for the wars of other states.
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The Spartan legend has inspired & captivated subsequent generations with evidence of its legacy found in both the Roman & British Empires. The Spartans are our ancestors every bit as much as the Athenians. But while Athens promoted democracy individualism culture & society their great rivals Sparta embodied militarism totalitarianism segregation & brutal repression. As ruthless as they were self-sacrificing their devastatingly successful war rituals made the Spartans the ultimate fighting force epitomized by Thermopylae. While slave masters to the Helots for over three centuries Spartan women such as Helen of Troy were free to indulge in education dance & sport. Interspersed with the personal biographies of leading figures & based on 30 years research The Spartans tracks the people from 480 to 360 BC charting Spartas progression from the Great Power of the Aegean Greek world to its ultimate demise. Cartledges crystalline prose his vivacious storytelling & his lucid historical insights combine here to provide a first-rate history of the Spartans their significance to ancient Greece & their influence on our culture" Publishing News" ...

Witness the demise of Al Simmons & follow the chain of events that are set in motion in the wake of his death. Spawn: Endgame" features the return of award-winning Spawn creator Todd Mc Farlane to his flagship title. Joining him is the all-star team of artist Whilce Portacio (" Wet Works" & " Batman Confidential") & writer Brian Holguin (" Spawn: Godslayer") with guest artists Greg Capullo (" Spawn" & " The Creech") & Rob Liefeld (" Youngblood"). This volume collects the entire 12 issues (" Spawn" numbered 185-196) of the sold-out monumental " Spawn: Endgame" story arc." ...

Relive the excitement of one of the bestselling independent comics of all time & grow your Spawn: Origins" collection! In this volume the ghost of slain child killer Billy Kincaid returns to taunt Spawn! Possessing human souls Kincaid carries out his dirty work vicariously through innocents. Sam & Twitch find themselves knee deep in it when current police officers become victims to Kincaids torment. Can they help Spawn save the people without killing all of them too?" ...

Bringing together over 1 200 prayers both classic & contemporary The SPCK Book of Christian Prayer" is an inspiring & practical resource for Christians of all denominations. This prestigious collection encompasses a wide & varied range of Christian prayers making it an essential handbook for all who want to deepen & enhance their prayer life as well as for those involved in leading others in worship
- whether in church in school or in the home. The prayers are helpfully arranged under practical subject headings & there is a comprehensive index of subjects with cross references throughout."
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' Speak memory' said Vladimir Nabokov. & immediately there came flooding back to him a host of enchanting recollections
- of his
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A FALLEN HERO
- HAUNTED BY HIS PAST BUT CAN HE CHANGE THE FUTURE? Ender Wiggin was once considered a great military leader a saviour
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This lively resource book encourages students to expand their speaking skills using role play problem solving puzzles games interviews storytelling & discussion. Many of the speaking activities are supported by the accompanying audio CD & the recording script section at the back of the resource book. ...

Each unit of Speakout opens with a clear overview of the content & learning objectives. The course covers all 4 skills areas as well as grammar & vocabulary & functional grammar. Each unit cuminates with a DVD lesson based around an extract from a real BBC programme. The Active Book
Includes:: * Easy navigation of the Students' Book pages with zoom facility * Video & audio available at the touch of a button * Video Podcasts with accompanying worksheets * BBC programme clips that can be played in a DVD player or computer
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Each unit of Speakout opens with a clear overview of the content & learning objectives. The course covers all 4 skills areas as well as grammar & vocabulary & functional grammar. Each unit cuminates with a DVD lesson based around an extract from a real BBC programme. The Active Book
Includes:: * Easy navigation of the Students Book pages with zoom facility * Video & audio available at the touch of a button * Video Podcasts with accompanying worksheets * BBC programme clips that can be played in a DVD player or computer
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