The fascinatingly complex Spartan tradition has been central to western thinking since antiquity. Images or myths of ancient Sparta are still exceptionally influential today. Sparta is also one of the handful of ancient Greek cities well enough attested for the historian to attempt a convincing social portrait in the round. Over the past quarter-century Paul Cartledge has established himself as the leading international authority on ancient Sparta and the Spartan tradition. In addition to the three books he has authored and co-authored, he has published a score of articles and numerous reviews on this important subject. "Spartan Reflections", whose title is intended to capture both the influence of the Spartan tradition and Sparta's thought-provoking qualities, is a collection of thirteen essays, all either new or revised for publication in book form. Following a general introduction, the book is divided into three thematic sections, on Polity, Politics and Political Thought; Society, Economy and Warfare; and, the Mirage Re-Viewed.