The Nature of War

by John Keegan and Keegan & Darracott.

A comprehensive study on the nature of war This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0030577772
• ISBN13: 9780030577772
• Release Date: January 1983
• Publisher: Holt McDougal
• Length: 276 Pages
• Weight: 3.55 lbs.

Customer Reviews

"New Approaches?"

The author gives a fine study of the manner in which humans have waged war from the begining of recorded history to the present day. Note this was published in 1981. This is actually two books. One is Mr. Keegan's concise text, & the other is Mr. Darracott's fine illustrations & drawings, some two hundred of them. The theme of war is intruigingly divided into topics rather than chronological order. The authors have shown that in an odd way, war has steadily become more civilized. While at the same time expressing great regret that civilians are now often considered legitimate targets. Actually, this book was worth the price just for the illustrations & glossary. From the excavation of Jericho to the end of the Swiss pikemen at Marignano in 1515, to the Vietnam war. Every chapter has facts that every student of military history should know. Ch1: "Peace & Prelude," despite mans noblest attempts to abolish war, it appears to be an aspect of the human condition. Ch2: "Outbreak," war was once considered an enterprise to be used only after every other means of persuasion had been tried. CH3: "Heroes & Leaders," the heroic code has inspired & intruiged men since the begining of time. Thus, the modern complexities of war still include personal risk taking, & ardent leadership remain crucial to waging war. Ch4: "Campaigns," the cycle of war once governed by the seasons. But, the passing of time brought a myriad of inventions that made war a year round business. As in the conquest of nature & the elements. Ch5: "Sieges," to take shelter in times of war is instinctual. Wherever geography & food was available, strongholds were built. Thus, despite the sophistication of offfensive war, the value of fixed defences has remained paramount. Ch6: "Battles," when societies combine authority & logistics with an urge for new lands the stage is set. Victory usually goes to the side with superior technology & organizational skills. Ch7: "Armageddon," death in battle is seldom glorius, it is usually terrifying & lonely. Therefore, whatever solace memorials provide, the horrors of war equals a litany of carnage. Ch8: "Surrender & Aftermath," the most dangerous moments in war is the end when one side surrenders. This final act of blind trust in the face of ones enemy is what the losing side fears most. The actual rituals of surrender remain universal. Today, with the myriad number of super weapons, visions of the aftermath hopefully oblige a sober agreement never to go to war again. Lets hope the latter becomes reality.