A Man at Arms Audiobook By Steven Pressfield cover art

A Man at Arms

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A Man at Arms

By: Steven Pressfield
Narrated by: George Guidall
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From an acclaimed master of historical fiction comes an epic saga about a reluctant hero, the Roman Empire, and the rise of a new power.

Jerusalem and the Sinai desert, AD 55. In the turbulent aftermath of the crucifixion of Jesus, agents of the Roman Empire receive information about a pilgrim bearing an incendiary letter from a religious fanatic calling himself Paul the Apostle to insurrectionists in Corinth. What's in the letter could bring down an empire.

The Romans hire a former legionary, a solitary man-at-arms named Telamon to intercept the letter and destroy the courier. Telamon fights for money, not principles. He's been promised a rich reward; should he fail, the punishment is death by crucifixion. But once he meets the courier, Telamon experiences an extraordinary conversion, and instead of carrying out the mission, takes on the Empire.

In his first novel of the ancient world in 13 years, the best-selling author of Gates of Fire and Tides of War returns with a gripping saga of conquest and rebellion, bloodshed and faith.

©2021 Steven Pressfield (P)2021 Recorded Books Ancient Fiction Genre Fiction Historical Historical Fiction Military Mystery Thriller & Suspense War & Military Middle East Ancient History War
Gripping Historical Fiction • Well-researched Details • Masterful Narration • Captivating Protagonists • Vivid Descriptions
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In the company of Robert Harris, Steven Saylor, and Colleen McCullough, Stephen Presfiel stands as one of the best historical fiction writers treating the ancient world. His Gates of Fire is a brilliant window in the Spartan culture. A Man at Arms, however, did not live up to the high standard of his other works. The best historical fiction has two elements: a great story and a vivid and historically insightful depiction of life in a bygone era. While Pressfield’s writing is as crisp as ever, the historical premise of the book is dubious to say the least. Simply put, there was no sweeping persecution of Christians by the Romans in the mid-first century. The Romans barely made a distinction between Christians and Jews prior to the Jewish revolt of AD 70. While Nero persecuted Christians in Rome, using them as a scapegoat for his own burning of portions of the city, he did not extend that persecution outside of Rome. And in Pliny’s epistle 96 to the emperor Trajan it is clear that there was no official policy toward Christians around 112. If you like historical fiction that actually teaches you about history, this book will not give an accurate picture of Roman-Christian relations. A better read on the subject is Robert Wilkin’s book Christians as the Romans Saw Them.

Historically inaccurate premise

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This book is a great read for any student of history and any person looking for an exciting adventure novel. The combination of the these two parties of appeal makes the book an instant-classic for all and it has my high recommendation.

Another great historical fiction by Pressfield

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I received just enough religious education as a child to make this story familiar as an adult. Pressfield made the characters plausible and flawed. Just when I found myself questioning why a mercenary would saddle himself with two kids, the author revealed his protagonist’s motivation. Kudos to the editors at audible for highlighting this work. Without them I would have labeled this Christian Fiction, and dismissed it.

Historical Christian Fiction with Skepticism

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Great story and great narration. If you enjoy Pressfield novels give this one a try.

Excellent performance

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Narration is good.

I’ve tried several times to get into this story. I’ve listened to several of Pressfield’s excellent books. This is the only one thus far evading my concentration. Maybe other reviewers know what is amiss, or is it just me.

Not certain

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Not what I expected at all. The story and the adventure kept me hooked the entire time.

Not what I expected.

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Great story and well read too! Also, although it is fiction I believe, it is well based in historical reality from Bible times.

Great Story

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This novel does two fantastic things for the secular reader. It places emphasis on Telamons transformation from warrior of ethics to finding the purpose of that ethos my protecting the innocent, enslaved and the broken. Telamon must reshape his ethos not for the sake of faith, but to defend the minorities his ethos was always meant to protect.

Pressfield continues his critique of organized religion and it's tendency to corrupt warriors into proudly becoming a tool of the oppressor. Pressfield does this in a way that takes Christianity and says, "see, this are the roots and the point of your religion." It's up to the reading warrior to see the point.

From a more secular perspective this becomes a novel that can be a challenging read. Understandably so. But to that reader I say the critique of tyranny and abusive systems are still there. Faith with is not the point, the ethics and morals with which we live by then becomes the thing to be protected. Because ethics and morality don't always win against authority.

Deep, thoughtful, challenging, loved it

A critique of opression

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So good! Best novel I have read in years. Really neat discussion on faith, belief, love, and as always, the warrior ethos.

Woah.

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Interesting story and characters. Good message. Not my favorite Guidall performance. First time experiencing a Pressfield book, and I’d try one more from this author.

New Author for Me

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