On War

von Clausewitz, a Prussian soldier, had witnessed first hand the destructive power of the French Revolutionary armies which swept across Europe between 1792 & 1815. His response was to write a comprehensive text covering every aspect of warfare. On WarÓ is both a philosophical & practical work in which he defines the essential nature of war, debates the qualities of the great commander, assesses the relative strengths of defensive & offensive warfare, & -- in highly controversial passages -- considers the relationship between war & politics. His arguments are illustrated with examples drawn from the campaigns of Frederick the Great & Napoleon. A compelling & indispensable source.Ó The greatest book ever written about war.Ó