The essays in this volume analyze war; its strategic characterisitics and its political and social functions; over the past five centuries. The diversity of its themes and the broad perspectives applied to them make the book a work of general history as much as a history of the theory and practice of war from the Renaissance to the present. Makers of Modern Strategy from Machiavelli to the Nuclear Age takes the first part of its title from an earlier collection of essays; published by Princeton University Press in 1943; which became a classic of historical scholarship. Three essays are repinted from the earlier book; four others have been extensively revised. The rest--twenty-two essays--are new. The subjects addressed range from major theorists and political and military leaders to impersonal forces. Machiavelli; Clausewitz; and Marx and Engels are discussed; as are Napoleon; Churchill; and Mao. Other essays trace the interaction of theory and experience over generations--the evolution of American strategy; for instance; or the emergence of revolutionary war in the modern world. Still others analyze the strategy of particular conflicts--the First and Second World Wars--or the relationship between technology; policy; and war in the nuclear age. Whatever its theme; each essay places the specifics of military thought and action in their political; social; and economic environment. Together the contributors have produced a book that reinterprets and illuminates war; one of the most powerful forces in history and one that cannot be controlled in the future without an understanding of its past.
#5314615 in Books 2002-08-25Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 .69 x 6.38 x 9.44l; #File Name: 0691001871208 pages
Review
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Excellent look into early Judeo-Islamic relationsBy Avid ReaderThis scholarly work by Ross Brann is well-researched look into the relations between Jews and Muslims in Muslim ruled al-Andalus (Spain) in the Middle Ages. He looks at and tries to reconcile a Muslim ruled world in which Jews were both persecuted and rose to the greatest heights of government; literature; and philosophy; such as Samuel the Nagrid (Isma'il ibn Naghrila). This book is highly recommened for research or those very interested in the field; but while it is with out doubt well-written; it is not a light read for someone who is not familiar with at least Jewish History or Muslim Spain to a small degree.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. I am finding this book to be extremely informative and useful.By Amy D. GoldsteinVery insightful analysis by Prof. Ross Braun. I am finding this book to be extremely informative and useful.
