Deftly organized into three major sections (Preparation and Invasion; Thermopylae: The Most Famous Battle; The Naval Standoff at Artemisium), "Persia Triumphant in Greece: Xerxes' Invasion: Thermopylae, Artemisium and the Destruction of Athens" is further informative enhanced for the reader with the inclusion of an informative Introduction, Epilogue or Act Two?, a seven page Bibliography, and a three page Index. An exceptionally well written, organized and presented study that is highly recommended for community, college, and university library Greek History & Warfare collections.

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Midwest Book Review

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

I really enjoyed this book. It’s well researched and well written giving an unusual perspective on the historic relationship between Greece and Persia. Highly recommended.

NetGalley, Rebecca B

This is the epic story of the Great Persian War of 481-479 BC, the major land and sea Persian invasion of Greece under Xerxes. Starting from the Persian decision to avenge the outrage caused to imperial prestige by the battle of Marathon, this book details the policy, diplomacy and religion as they intermingle with matters of strategy and tactics. It includes detailed coverage of the legendary Battle of Thermopylae, immortalized in literature and film as the ultimate defiant last stand. There is similarly in-depth coverage, in terms of events, tactics, methods and intentions, afforded to the relatively unknown sea battles off Cape Artemisium, only recently dramatized for the Big Screen; a naval engagement that primed the Battle of Salamis. Special attention has been paid to the events following these two battles, leading to the bloody conquest of Athens and the implementation of vengeance by the Persian Empire, which for a brief time stood triumphant, victorious and awesome as never before, but also sowed the seeds of eventual defeat. I was swept away by this informative read!

NetGalley, Michelle Coates