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On War

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( 14,198 ratings, 471 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
On War by Carl Clausewitz is a seminal work on military strategy and theory, exploring the complex nature of war and its relationship with politics. Clausewitz delves into the philosophical and practical aspects of warfare, offering insights into the intricacies of military conflict and the influence of political objectives. This foundational text has shaped modern military thought and remains relevant for understanding the strategic challenges of war.
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this book if you're interested in understanding the complexities of war, military strategy, and the philosophical aspects of conflict. It offers profound insights into how wars are conducted and their broader implications on society and politics. Ideal for those who appreciate historical perspective and in-depth analysis of military theory.

Book Hero thinking about your next read

In line with Napoleon's own military actions, he illustrated the need to annihilate the enemy and make a strong display of one's power in an 'absolute war' without compromise. But he was also careful to distinguish between war and politics, arguing that war could only be justified when debate was no longer adequate.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

Writing at the time of Napoleon's greatest campaigns, Prussian soldier and writer Carl von Clausewitz created this treatise on the art of warfare, which presented war as part of a coherent system of political thought. He is best remembered for his pronouncement that war is a continuation of politics by other means and for his observations on total war.

Clausewitz was careful to distinguish between war and politics, arguing that war could only be justified when debate was no longer adequate, and that if undertaken, its aim should ultimately be to improve the well-being of the nation.

The book, On War, remains an influential text in understanding the interplay between military conflict and political strategy.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

On War by Carl Clausewitz is considered a seminal work in military theory and strategy. Reviews often highlight its depth and philosophical approach to understanding war, emphasising its analysis of the complex nature of warfare and its elements. While some readers find the language dense, the insights offered into the theory of "absolute war" and strategy make it an enduring and influential piece in military studies.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780140444278

Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 29 July 1982

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Penguin Classics

Contributors:

  • Introduction by Anatol Rapoport
  • Translated by J. Graham

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 25.0mm

Width: 130.0mm

Height: 197.0mm

Weight: 341g

Pages: 464

About the Author

Prussian general and military theorist Charles Von Clausewitz was born in the Prussian city of Burg in 1780. He was commissioned to take part in the campaigns of the First Coalition against Revolutionary France. He is most famous for his military treatise Vom Kriege, translated into English as On War.

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