On War is one of the most important books on the subject of war and military tactics & strategy ever written. Carl Philipp Gottlieb von Clausewitz was a Prussian soldier, military historian and military theorist who's Vom Kriege (On War) has influenced military leaders for two centuries. On War is an intricate investigation of Clausewitz's observations based on his own experience in the Wars of the French Revolution and the Napoleonic Wars and on considerable historical research into war. It was shaped not only by military ...
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On War is one of the most important books on the subject of war and military tactics & strategy ever written. Carl Philipp Gottlieb von Clausewitz was a Prussian soldier, military historian and military theorist who's Vom Kriege (On War) has influenced military leaders for two centuries. On War is an intricate investigation of Clausewitz's observations based on his own experience in the Wars of the French Revolution and the Napoleonic Wars and on considerable historical research into war. It was shaped not only by military and political considerations but by Clausewitz's strong interests in art, science, and education. In On War von Clausewitz examines moral and psychological aspects of warfare, stressing the necessity of courage, audacity, and self-sacrifice, as well as the importance of morale and public opinion. He emphasizes the need of strategy as an evolving plan, a concept adaptable to modern strategists in fields beyond military science. Today On War is recognized as one of the best references for businesses strategy in print. This version of On War was translated from the original German by Colonel J.J. Graham and includes an Introduction and Notes by Colonel F.N. Maude. Written two centuries ago by a Prussian military thinker, this is the most frequently cited, the most controversial, and in many ways, the most modern book on warfare. von Clausewitz fought against the armies of the French Revolution and Napoleon, served as a staff officer, and became a prominent military educator. In On War he examines moral and psychological aspects of warfare, stressing the necessity of courage, audacity, and self-sacrifice, as well as the importance of morale and public opinion. He emphasizes the notion of strategy as an evolving plan, rather than a formula, a concept adaptable to modern strategists in fields beyond military science.
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Add this copy of On War to cart. $24.96, new condition, Sold by Ingram Customer Returns Center rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from NV, USA, published 2011 by Bottom of the Hill Publishing.
Add this copy of On War to cart. $43.34, good condition, Sold by Bonita rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Newport Coast, CA, UNITED STATES, published 2011 by Bottom of the Hill Publishing.
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.
