All books are shipped from New Zealand 📚

Try our Gift Wrap Service free this weekend only 🎁

WRAPITUP

War: What is it good for?

The role of conflict in civilisation, from primates to robots
3.94 goodreads logo

Ratings/reviews counts are updated frequently.

Check link for latest rating.
( 1,444 ratings, 161 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
War: What is it Good For? by Ian Morris explores the paradoxical role of warfare in advancing civilisation, arguing that, despite its brutality, it has often led to greater safety and prosperity. Through historical analysis, Morris suggests that war has been a significant driver of social and political change.
Read More
Format: Paperback / softback
$3999
GET IT FOR CHRISTMAS | OVERNIGHT DELIVERY

Found a better price? Request a price match

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 fascinated by the paradoxical impact of warfare on human progress, keen on historical analysis with in-depth research, and interested in a provocative exploration of how conflict has shaped societies and governance throughout history.

Book Hero thinking about your next read

War: What is it good for?

A bold and controversial rethinking of the role of war in human history and how it will shape our future, sure to provoke debate, from the bestselling author of Why the West Rules - For Now.

A bold and controversial rethinking of the role of war in human history and how it will shape our future, sure to provoke debate, from the bestselling author of Why the West Rules - For Now.

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
War: What is it good for? by Ian Morris delves into the complex and controversial topic of warfare and its profound impact on human history. Through thorough exploration, the book navigates the paradox of war as both a destructive force and a tool for progress. Morris presents a compelling narrative that spans millennia, analysing the ironic relationship between conflict and civilisation.

War is undeniably one of the greatest human evils. It has shattered communities, provoked unspeakable atrocities, and left countless millions dead. Economic chaos and widespread deprivation often follow in its wake, and the misery it generates taints foreign policy for future generations. At first glance, the effects of war seem purely negative. However, Ian Morris offers a provocative argument that, in the very long term, war has paradoxically been a driver of societal advancement.

In his trademark style, Morris combines interdisciplinary insights, scientific methods, and fascinating stories to illustrate his thesis that war is the sole human invention that has enabled the construction of peaceful societies. He posits that without war, humanity would never have developed the immense nation-states that now provide relatively stable environments, reducing the frequency of random acts of violence. Through these structures, societies have achieved previously unimaginable wealth and increased lifespan and comfort.

Yet, Morris also acknowledges the double-edged nature of warfare. The very advances it has facilitated could be undone by the continuing evolution of deadly weaponry. The persistent effort to manage and control warfare in the coming decades will prove to be among the most critical challenges in the history of our civilisation.

In War: What is it good for?, Ian Morris masterfully dissects humanity's history of warfare. By doing so, he draws startling conclusions about our future, suggesting that while war has paradoxically shaped our past and present, it poses a significant threat to everything we have built. The book invites readers to engage with the difficult but essential questions about the role of war in human progress and the urgent need to find pathways to peace in an increasingly interconnected world.

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?

War: What is it good for? by Ian Morris is highly praised for its well-researched and thought-provoking argument that war, despite its brutality, has historically promoted greater safety and economic growth. The author effectively uses a wide array of data from various disciplines to support his controversial thesis. Reviewers commend the book's narrative flair, compelling readers by challenging deep-seated beliefs about the role of war in civilization and its contributions to human progress.

Book Hero reading reviews

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781846684180

Publisher: Profile Books Ltd

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 02 April 2015

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Profile Books Ltd

Edition: Main

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 32.0mm

Width: 128.0mm

Height: 198.0mm

Weight: 360g

Pages: 512

Customer Reviews

Be the first to write a review
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)

About the Author

Ian Morris is Willard Professor of Classics, Professor of History and a fellow of the Archaeology Centre at Stanford University. He is the bestselling author of Why the West Rules - For Now and has appeared on a number of television networks, including the History Network and PBS.

Also by Ian Morris

View all

More from History & Military

View all

Why buy from us?

Book Hero is not a chain store or big box retailer. We're an independent specialist on a mission to help more Kiwis rediscover a love of books and reading!

Service & Delivery

Service & Delivery

Our cozy 200m2 warehouse in Auckland holds over 10,000 books in-stock so you're not waiting for books to arrive from overseas.

Auckland Pick Ups

Auckland Pick Ups

We're an online-only store but for your convenience you can pick up your order for free from our warehouse in Hobsonville.

Our Gifting Service

Our Gifting Service

Books make wonderful thoughtful gifts and we're here to help with gift-wrapping and cards. We can even send your gift directly to your loved one.

Reviews from our customers