This book explores the causes; operations; endings; and justifications of war. In the process; it demolishes many currently fashionable illusions; such as that peace is always preferable to war; that wars occur because of accidents or misunderstandings; and that technology changes the nature of war. Abundant historical and contemporary examples show; the authors contend; that all wars are deliberate political choices; that military operations follow timeless principles; and that; as Aristotle taught; the natural aim of war is victory. This new edition of the book that Eugene Rostow called “a gem;†Michael Howard called “shrewd and trenchant;†and Library Journal called “persuasive†devotes substantial attention to the wars of the post–Cold War period; including “the war on terrorism.â€
#540673 in Books 1997-09Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.25 x 6.25 x .75l; .0 #File Name: 157249056X201 pages
Review
6 of 6 people found the following review helpful. I am admittedly biased...................By O. A. GlazebrookI am a Greatgrandson of Otis A. Glazebrook; New Market Cadet; Company-D and a Great-greatgranson of Francis H. Smith; a founder and first Superintendent of V.M.I. (for fifty years). I thought this book painted a realistic portrait of cadet life at V.M.I. and the events preceding "The Battle". The cadet's story provides good lessons; particularly for today's pampered adolecents; who think that their lives are tough. The description of the cadet's eighty mile march from Lexington to New Market in the rain; mud; in wool uniforms; leather shoes; etc. might be food for thought....I particularly liked Gindlesberger's protrayal of Cadet Stanard.The difficult part of reading history for me is to remember that a day was just as long then; as it is now. It is written in the form of a historical "novel"; this gives the cadet's story life; as oppossed to dry historical facts. "Seed Corn" is a quick read and does a great job telling of the great bravery of 257 Cadets; who became MEN; in the best sense of the word; in four hours; May 15th; 1864.Otis A. Glazebrook; IV5 of 5 people found the following review helpful. Don't Miss This One!By William DavisI recently attended a symposium where the author spoke; and after it was over I purchased this book; along with Escape From Libby Prison. After I read Escape From Libby Prison I thought there was no way Mr. Gindelsberger could do any better; but I was wrong. I liked this one even more than his first. I can only guess how good his next one will be. Anyone who reads this should definitely get both his books. You won't be sorry. This story had humor; fear; compassion; and everything else a good story should have. I guarantee you'll be moved to tears as you read the account of the battle and the search for friends after it was over. What a story!3 of 8 people found the following review helpful. Engaging but sometimes dullBy A CustomerMr. Gindlesperger has turned the story of the Battle Market from the cadets' points-of-view and succeeded terrificly. The research is apparent through the many details the suthor discloses and makes the text all the more enjoyable and real. The scenes are vivid and you can feel the horror of searching for a brother or friend on the field after the clash is over. The book is only lacking in two areas (the arrival of John Wise to the field hospital after the battle and through the first appendix with the list of the corps and some board information). Yet even there; the weaknesses come through with little strength. The text is extremely well-written with few gliches in storyline and information in the first appendix. All in all; a beautiful story and worth-while read.
