Marathon: The Crucial Battle that Created Western Democracy

by Alan Lloyd

At Marathon, the site of the key battle between Greek and Persian armies, independence and a radical new political form were at stake. Through an overview of the religion, culture, and alliances among city-states, this historical account adds depth and context to the battle that safeguarded the autonomy of Greek life, allowed for the development of a cultural foundation for Western civilization, and protected the young democratic government. Detailing the stories of brutal fighting, Philippides' final run proclaiming news of victory, and the powerful political changes that took shape immediately after, this vivid description provides the details of a pivotal moment in Western history.

Genres: Nonfiction, History

210 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1973

About the author

Alan Richard Lloyd is an English writer born in 1927. He is most famous for his Kine Saga fantasy books for teenagers. He has also written adult fiction and non-fiction, most notably on the history of the British monarchy. His adult work is published under the name Alan Lloyd whilst children's work is published under A.R. Lloyd.

Lloyd was born in London, and studied drawing and painting at the Kingston School of Art before being called up to the army in 1945. He started his writing career at the Jersey Evening Post and worked as a freelance journalist before becoming a full time writer in 1962. His first book, published by Longmans in 1964 was The Drums of Kumasi a non fiction account of the Ashanti Wars. This was followed in 1966 by The Year of the Conqueror (published as The Making of the King 1066 in the USA), a study of the events and people leading up to the Norman invasion of England in 1066. Further non-fiction work followed on the history of Spain, George III, King John and the Zulu War. His first fiction work, The Eighteenth Concubine was published in 1972, and Kine, the first of his Kine Saga novels was published in 1982.

Reviews

[Bo Trapnell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read...the battle is but the last twenty pages. And you don't feel cheated. The history and detail of the groups fighting was supreme.

[Chris Koul · Rating 2 out of 5]

Το διάβασα το 2010. Όταν με είχαν πιάσει τα πατριωτικά μου.