On War
On War by Carl von Clausewitz, published by Penguin in 1968, is an abridged edition that distills the essential insights of this seminal work on the nature of war. Clausewitz, a Prussian officer who engaged in the Napoleonic Wars, aimed to analyze the complexities of warfare, focusing on both human and social factors alongside tactical and technical elements. This edition presents key sections that explore how political purpose, chance, and enmity influence the dynamics of conflict.
Readers will find a comprehensive examination of military strategy and political science within this text, which remains relevant for military strategists and politicians alike. The abridged format, edited by Beatrice Heuser and based on the acclaimed translation by Michael Howard and Peter Paret, highlights Clausewitz’s theories on war’s multifaceted nature. With 461 pages, this English-language edition offers a focused yet profound exploration of the principles that govern warfare, making it a valuable resource for those interested in military science and history.
Official synopsis Publisher
On War is one of the most important books ever written on the subject of war. Clausewitz, a Prussian officer who fought against the French during the Napoleonic Wars, sought to understand and analyse the phenomenon of war so that future leaders could conduct and win conflicts more effectively. He studied the human and social factors that affect outcomes, as well as the tactical and technical ones. He understood that war was a weapon of government, and that political purpose, chance, and enmity combine to shape its dynamics. On War continues to be read by military strategists, politicians, and others for its timeless insights. This abridged edition by Beatrice Heuser, using the acclaimed translation by Michael Howard and Peter Paret, selects the central books in which Clausewitz’s views on the nature and theory of war are developed. Book jacket.
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