"A delight on several levels . well-written . clear and understandable . an incisive analysis of a critical period."--Mark Lardas, Daily News (Galveston, Texas) "The author is to be applauded . for attempting, for the first time, a multi-volume history of Classical Sparta. Paul Rahe's book is both an excellent piece of historical reconstruction . and a convincing argument as to the historical inevitabilities that the Spartan worldview brought into being.

"--Stephen Batchelor, Military History Matters "[Rahe] has now published four volumes in his history of Sparta. Each book is thoroughly readable, and in many cases becomes a page-turner as the excitement of the events Rahe relates is undiminished after 2500 years. A tremendous series of books."--Dr. Cliff Cunningham, Sun News Austin "Students of military strategy as well as classical scholars will benefit from reading his book. Rahe's many acute observations on foreign policy will charm readers interested in international affairs."--Ciaran Jones, Michigan War Studies Review "Rahe . delves deeply into the complex politics, wars, and diplomacy of the times .

Sparta's First Attic War is an important read for those with an interest in Classical Greece or the concept of Grand Strategy."--A. A. Nofi, Strategy Page "Rahe . is at his best when he supplements the often-brief accounts of events found in the sources with his own geopolitical analysis, drawing on his long career in political and military history."--James Flynn, American Interest "First and foremost a narrative . lively and engaging . a piece of exceptionally fine writing whose exposition is clear and unfettered by academic jargon.

Eminently readable."--Seth Kendall, Journal of Military History Winner of the 2019 Stratfor Book Award for Geopolitical Analysis, sponsored by the Mackinder Forum "Rahe has written a clear and thorough history of the Pentecontaetia. His profound command of the sources and prose, supported by clear and well placed maps, makes this book a must for the general reader as well as scholars."--Bob Strassler, founder and series editor, Landmark Ancient Histories.