'War is an act of violence intended to compel our opponent to our will'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; Clausewitz illustrated the need to annihilate the enemy and to 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. Combining military theory and pratice; On War has had a profound influence on subsequent thinking on warfare.This edition contains a detailed introduction examining Von Clausewitz's skill and reputation as a writer; philosopher and political thinker; as well as bibliography; notes and a glossary.For more than seventy years; Penguin has been the leading publisher of classic literature in the English-speaking world. With more than 1;700 titles; Penguin Classics represents a global bookshelf of the best works throughout history and across genres and disciplines. Readers trust the series to provide authoritative texts enhanced by introductions and notes by distinguished scholars and contemporary authors; as well as up-to-date translations by award-winning translators.
#160768 in Books Xenophon 1950-06-30 1950-06-30Ingredients: Example IngredientsOriginal language:Ancient GreekPDF # 1 7.80 x .90 x 5.10l; .64 #File Name: 0140440070384 pagesThe Persian Expedition
Review
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. An unparalleled glimpse of the frontiers of the western world as they existed from 401 -399 B.C.By Anthony DeGuerreI picked up this book; as it was referenced in Victor David Hanson's "Carnage and Culture"; and I wanted the first hand experience of reading the text. My only previous experience reading Greek literature was the Iliad in high school; which I enjoyed; but found to be a bit dry at times.I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed this book. This translation of the Persian Expedition; by Rex Warner; was a page turner! It brings to life the hardships and triumphs faced by Greek soldiers in antiquity and offers an unparalleled glimpse of the frontiers of the western world as they existed from 401 -399 B.C.***CAUTION-SPOILER AHEAD***The Persian Expedition is the story of 10;000 Greek mercenaries who have been hired by Cyrus the younger to dethrone his brother; Artaxerxes; from the Persian throne. The plan to dethrone Artaxerxes comes to a halt when the Greek's benefactor; Cyrus; is killed in the opening skirmishes of the battle of Cunaxa; outside of Babylon; in the heart of the Persian Empire.With Cyrus dead; and their military campaign at an end; the Greeks attempt to negotiate safe passage out of the Persian Empire with one of Artaxerxes' generals. In the course of the negotiation; the Greeks are betrayed and their generals captured and killed. Rising up to fill the void in leadership; Xenephon; a pious Athenian noble; attains a position of prominence in the army and leads the 10;000 out of Persia. Facing hostile tribes; political infighting; freezing cold; and a shortage of supplies the 10;000's eventually make their way to Thrace; where they are re-hired by Sparta to fight for Greek interests in Asia.***END SPOILER***Overall; I would recommend this book for anyone seeking an in-road into Greek history. Also; anyone with an interest in Biblical history can enjoy: the Greek march through Nineveh (400 years after Jonah); and have a sense of the world inhabited by Esther (478 B.C.); Ezra (458 B.C.); Nehemiah (445 B.C.) and Malachai (433 B.C.).2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. ... translation of Anabasis by Rex Warner is probably the best I have foundBy Ray NewmanThis translation of Anabasis by Rex Warner is probably the best I have found. His wording is clear; concise; and contemporary. The introduction is as thought provoking as his translation phrase and word choice. It is also one of the most informative discussions on the distinctions regarding Greek and Persian culture in Xenophon's time. This is a keeper.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Good historic read for cheapBy ChrisI had always heard of Xenophons 10;000 Greeks marching out of Persia back to Greece but had never read specifics until now. While this story can get tedious at times(constant references to how far they travel each day; etc) it is a fascinating look into the ancient world. The fact that Persia employed a large number of Greeks is testimony to the superiority of Greek heavy infantry in this part of the world at this time. However; the story also discusses the military short comings of the Greeks in detail. Great primary source resource for about a buck. You can't beat that.
