Two Words, One Answer.
Spartans
 The Spartans $19.99 If your idea of a good documentary is having some fairly good-looking chick (for academic standards--let's be real)with a british accent self-consciouly jump around a few ruins wearing colorful blouses and tight jeans, well then, you've found what you're looking for. Otherwise stay away. Apart from a short scene that dealt with Cinadon's conspiracy in 398 BC, there was virtually nothing of interest here. It's pablum.  Spartan: A Novel $14.00 I had seen a lot of Manfredi's novels about and had attended a lecture of his when he was in Australia, so I was very interested to see what sort of a writer he was and how he would capture the period of the Ancient Greeks and Sparta. I must admit that I was dissappointed. While the storyline is ok (if not a little fantastic), it felt like I was reading a sort of laymans guide to Ancient Sparta. Integral cultural aspects of the Spartans were glossed over, while others were poorly explained and portrayed, ultimately (for someone who has read a lot on Ancient Sparta anyway) giving the novel a simplistic fantasy novel feel. Certainly not even close to being in the same league as Pressfield, Nicastro or Curtis Ford, I would have to say that if all Manfredi's Ancient Greek novels are like this, they are more for people with only a passing interest in the historical setting.  Rubies Costume Co. 300 The Movie, Spartan Shield, 17" Diameter $13.99 My son dressed as a Spartan this Halloween (much to my joy as a fan of the movie 300). When I first ordered this shield, I was sent a sword instead. I notified the sender immediately, who promply shipped me the shield in time for the holiday, and allowed me to keep the sword as well (a great customer experience). Furthermore, my son was thrilled with this shield and his Spartan outfit. He had a great Halloween trick-or-treating with his friends in this costume. |
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