Carl von Clausewitz

Intends to understand war, both in its internal dynamics and as an instrument of policy.

On War

Carl Clausewitz

Writing at the time of Napoleon's greatest campaigns, Prussian soldier and writer Carl von Clausewitz created this landmark treatise on the art of warfare, which presented war as part of a coherent system of political thought. 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, and that if undertaken, its aim should ultimately be to improve the wellbeing of the nation.

Jim Hagan

Bumped up to 4 stars for excellent intro and notes by Anatol Rapoport.

Mariel Adrianna de la Garza

Put together as a series of books, the first is most important and most elucidating. The remainder of the book is interesting for historical purposes but is largely strategy and tactics most relevant to the time period. A must read for students of warfare and/or strategy, of any kind.

On War

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