On War (1832) is a treatise on the philosophical aspects of warfare by Prussian general, scholar, and strategist Carl von Clausewitz. Published posthumously by the author's wife--who edited his manuscript and wrote the book's introduction-- On War is one of history's most important works on warfare and military strategy, and continues to be studied to this day. With a background in art, culture, and history, and with extensive experience as a combat veteran, Clausewitz sought to understand the military success of such ...
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On War (1832) is a treatise on the philosophical aspects of warfare by Prussian general, scholar, and strategist Carl von Clausewitz. Published posthumously by the author's wife--who edited his manuscript and wrote the book's introduction-- On War is one of history's most important works on warfare and military strategy, and continues to be studied to this day. With a background in art, culture, and history, and with extensive experience as a combat veteran, Clausewitz sought to understand the military success of such figures as Napoleon and Frederick the Great. What interested Clausewitz the most was how these leaders effectively mobilized entire nations to launch military campaigns larger and more violent than any in European history. Although he initially began with the theory that war was one aspect of a population's struggle for survival, he eventually came to believe that war was a method of imposing the will of one state on another. By privileging politics and philosophy in his study of warfare, Clausewitz changed the way military figures, politicians, and scholars thought of and perpetrated the process of war. Most crucially, Clausewitz suggests that war serves no purpose in and of itself, but rather acts as an instrument of a political party or group. In addition, Clausewitz believed that strong moral and political motivations--especially in the case of defense--greatly increased the chance of victory. On War was read and interpreted by Vladimir Lenin, Mao Zedong, and Dwight Eisenhower, and has, for over a century and a half, continued to shape the concept and conduct of war. This edition of Carl von Clausewitz's On War is a classic of history, philosophy, and military theory reimagined for modern readers. Since our inception in 2020, Mint Editions has kept sustainability and innovation at the forefront of our mission. Each and every Mint Edition title gets a fresh, professionally typeset manuscript and a dazzling new cover, all while maintaining the integrity of the original book. With thousands of titles in our collection, we aim to spotlight diverse public domain works to help them find modern audiences. Mint Editions celebrates a breadth of literary works, curated from both canonical and overlooked classics from writers around the globe.
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I think of this as an interesting read in as much that it gets you into the thinking what went into the battles at the time this was written. What strategies were successful for Napoleon for example wouldn't be applicable in a more modern battlefield, but still some nice insights on the basics so to speak. The book itself is just the right size for thumbing through and browsing.
steve15
Aug 12, 2010
Very Interesting with great analysis in foreward
This is a great book and an excellent translation of Clausewitz. I have been reading a different translation that does not serve the reader as well. This edition includes an interesting analysis of Clausewitz' work and assists the reader in understanding what this book is about and provides context.
If you have an interest in strategy, not just military strategy, as well as the decision making process; this is a great book.
OBB
Jan 15, 2009
I might or might not recomend it.
I found it a bit heavy going after The Art of War, and had to put it down and take a rest from it. however it certainly is an enlightening read, and suggests what was wrong with 19/20 century military doctrine. Perhaps it is the particular edition or version and translator. I am currently resting it and am uncertain if I will finish it.
EmmetNZ
Apr 20, 2007
Definative translation
Clausewitz' theories and reputation suffered much in the English speaking world from poor translations until Howard and Paret published this Princeton University Press translation in 1976. For the first time we had a near definative version of the superlative strategist's work. As a bonus, the translation contains four seminal essays; one each from the translators and two from the doyen of post-war strategic studies, Bernard Brodie. Of particular importance is Brodie's guide to reading (and understanding)Clausewitz, an absolute must-have for all practical and armchair straegists. Ignore the awful Anatol Rapoport version of Clausewitz published currently by Penguin and go for this version. The single most important work in military history.
