Clausewitz: A Very Short Introduction by Michael Howard (English) Paperback Book

Publisher Description

Karl von Clausewitz's study On War was described by the American strategic thinker Bernard Brodie as 'not simply the greatest, but the only great book about war'. It is hard to disagree. Even though he wrote his only major work at a time when the range of firearms was fifty yards, much of what he had to say remains relevant today. Michael Howard explains Clausewitz's ideas in terms both of his experiences as a professional soldier in the Napoleonic Wars,and of the intellectual background of his time. ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area.These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.

Table of Contents

Introduction1: Clausewitz in his time2: Theory and practice in war3: Ends and means in war4: Limited and absolute war5: The legacy of ClausewitzFurther ReadingIndex

Review

`Review from previous edition 'as a synthesis of Clausewitz scholarship this studycan hardly be faulted''English Historical Review`'a delightful introduction to the paradoxes and insights of this passionate rationalist.''London Review of Books

Promotional

A major military historian offers a lucid introduction to one of the greatest writers on war

Long Description

Karl von Clausewitz's study On War was described by the American strategic thinker Bernard Brodie as 'not simply the greatest, but the only great book about war'. It is hard to disagree. Even though he wrote his only major work at a time when the range of firearms was fifty yards, much of what he had to say remains relevant today. Michael Howard explains Clausewitz's ideas in terms both of his experiences as a professional soldier in the Napoleonic Wars,
and of the intellectual background of his time. ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area.
These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.

Review Text

`Review from previous edition 'as a synthesis of Clausewitz scholarship this study
can hardly be faulted''
English Historical Review
`'a delightful introduction to the paradoxes and insights of this passionate rationalist.''
London Review of Books

Review Quote

Review from previous edition'as a synthesis of Clausewitz scholarship this study can hardly be faulted'"--English Historical Review "a delightful introduction to the paradoxes and insights of this passionate rationalist."--London Review of Books

Promotional "Headline"

Introduction 1. Clausewitz in his time 2. Theory and practice in war 3. Ends and means in war 4. Limited and absolute war 5. The legacy of Clausewitz Further Reading Index

Feature

'as a synthesis of Clausewitz scholarship this study can hardly be faulted' English Historical Review
Outlines Clausewitz's enduring theory of war, making it of continuing interest to military historians and those interested in the logistics and tactics of war
Explains how Clausewitz's theory relates to his actual experience in the Napoleonic wars
Essential reading for anyone interested in military history or strategy
Michael Howard is a well-known trade history author

Details