BOOK BRIEF

Tides of War: A Novel of Alcibiades and the Peloponnesian War

Steven Pressfield
Guide cover placeholder

Tides of War: A Novel of Alcibiades and the Peloponnesian War

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2001

Book Brief

Sparkles iconBeta
Steven Pressfield

Tides of War: A Novel of Alcibiades and the Peloponnesian War

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2001
Book Details
Pages

448

Format

Novel • Fiction

Genre
Fantasy

Historical Fiction
Setting

Ancient Greece • 400s BC

Topic
Military & War

World History
Publication Year

2001

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Roundup icon

Super Short Summary

In Tides of War: A Novel of Alcibiades and the Peloponnesian War, Steven Pressfield explores the tumultuous period of ancient Greece through the experiences of Alcibiades, a charismatic and controversial Athenian leader. The narrative follows the strategic and personal complexities of the Peloponnesian War, weaving historical events with the individual's ambitious and multifaceted nature.

Gritty

Mysterious

Suspenseful

Challenging

Contemplative

Reviews & Readership

4.2

5,925 ratings

73%

Loved it

21%

Mixed feelings

6%

Not a fan

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

In Tides of War, Steven Pressfield vividly reimagines the Peloponnesian War through the tumultuous life of Alcibiades. Readers praise its rich historical detail and compelling narrative, though some find the dense military jargon challenging. The book offers an immersive exploration of ancient Greek politics and warfare, melding fact with fiction effectively.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Tides of War: A Novel of Alcibiades and the Peloponnesian War?

Readers who enjoy Tides of War: A Novel of Alcibiades and the Peloponnesian War are likely fans of historical fiction rich in military strategy, political intrigue, and classical history, akin to Bernard Cornwell's The Last Kingdom series or Conn Iggulden's Emperor series.

4.2

5,925 ratings

73%

Loved it

21%

Mixed feelings

6%

Not a fan

Fun Facts

Stephen Pressfield is known for his meticulous historical research, which brings the ancient world vividly to life, as seen in Tides of War.

The novel is part of Pressfield’s collection of works that often focus on classical antiquity, including other well-known titles like Gates of Fire and The Afghan Campaign.

Subscribe to discover more Fun Facts!

Tides of War explores themes of leadership, betrayal, and the moral complexities of war, reflecting Pressfield's interest in the psychological aspects of historical narratives.

Subscribe to discover more Fun Facts!

Book Details
Pages

448

Format

Novel • Fiction

Genre
Fantasy

Historical Fiction
Setting

Ancient Greece • 400s BC

Topic
Military & War

World History
Publication Year

2001

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Buy This Book

We’re just getting started

Add this title to our list of requested Study Guides!