Here's the short of it: For those who have never read a Pressfield 'history,' you need to join the club. I enjoyed the Pressfield historical novels in this order. Also, for you folks new to Pressfield and/or his historical genre, I have likened each to a film that may help put the book into some sense of perspective.1. Gates of Fire akin to Braveheart, Gladiator and Glory2. Last of the Amazons akin to Last of the Mohicans and Troy3. Virtues of War akin to Patton and Spartacus4. Tides of War akin to In Harm's Way5. The Afghan Campaign akin to Kingdom of HeavenI enjoyed each of these books, and I enjoyed each of these films. You'll go wrong with none of them. There is no requirement to read the "Pressfield Histories" in any order. Start at the bottom and go to the top or vice versa. Makes no difference. Regardless of your approach you will emerge wiser than when you began and you will acknowledge that the experience and the time spent on these books was worthwhile.