Subject
Battles Books
Best books
Archibald Forbes
Battles of the nineteenth century, vol. 1 of 7
No description available.
Edward Shepherd Creasy
The Fifteen Decisive Battles of the World: from Marathon to Waterloo
"The Fifteen Decisive Battles of the World: from Marathon to Waterloo" by Sir Edward Shepherd Creasy is a military history book published in 1851. Creasy examines fifteen battles—from ancient Marathon to Napoleon's Waterloo—that he argues fundamentally shaped the course of human civilization. Each chapter explores how these military engagements influenced world history, determining the fates of empires, securing national independence, and redirecting the progress of entire cultures across more than two millennia.
Charles Jean Jacques Joseph Ardant du Picq
Battle Studies; Ancient and Modern Battle
"Battle Studies; Ancient and Modern Battle" by Ardant du Picq is an unfinished military treatise written in the 1860s by a French Army colonel killed in the Franco-Prussian War. Based on empirical studies of historical battles, the work argues that moral force—not tactics or technology—determines victory in combat. Du Picq examines the human element in warfare, emphasizing that understanding the soldier's psychology is essential for military leadership. The book became influential at France's war college before World War I.
J. Douglas (John Douglas) Borthwick
The battles of the world : $b or, cyclopedia of battles, sieges, and important military events
"The Battles of the World; or, Cyclopædia of Battles, Sieges, and Important Military Events" by Rev. J. Douglas Borthwick is a comprehensive historical account written in the mid-19th century. This work meticulously catalogues significant battles and military events from the earliest times to the present day, presented in an alphabetical format. The book aims to serve as both an educational resource and a narrative of military history, emphasizing the importance of various conflicts in shaping nations. At the start of this historical work, the author provides a preface that outlines the aims and scope of the publication. Borthwick discusses the significance of the conflicts detailed within, highlighting recent military actions, particularly concerning Canadian engagements, while also reflecting on the broad implications of warfare on societal evolution. The opening portion sets the tone for a thorough exploration of military events across history, underscoring their importance in both a national and global context. The author notes the value of understanding these battles as a means to appreciate the complexities of military engagements and their impacts on both contemporary and historical societies.
Thomas Benfield Harbottle
Dictionary of Battles From the Earliest Date to the Present Time
"Dictionary of Battles" by Thomas Benfield Harbottle is a historical account written in the early 20th century. This work serves as a comprehensive reference detailing various battles throughout history, from ancient times to contemporary periods, and it provides succinct accounts of each engagement. The book likely appeals to readers interested in military history, strategy, and the evolution of warfare. The opening of the text introduces readers to a structured examination of battles, starting with a preface outlining the editorial challenges faced after Harbottle's passing. It then delves into an extensive list of battles, giving specific details about each, including dates, involved forces, and key outcomes. Battles such as Abensberg, Aberdeen, and Austerlitz are briefly outlined, with Harbottle focused on delivering concise information that captures the essence of each conflict, aimed at providing readers with an accessible understanding of military events through time.
Edward Gilliat
The Romance of Modern Sieges Describing the personal adventures, resource and daring of besiegers and beseiged in all parts of the world
"The Romance of Modern Sieges" by Edward Gilliat is a historical account written in the early 20th century. This work vividly narrates various sieges throughout history, showcasing the personal adventures, resourcefulness, and courage of both besieging forces and the beleaguered. The opening chapters hint at a focus on significant historical events, blending military strategy with the rich tapestry of human emotion and experience amid conflict. At the start of the book, the author introduces the Siege of Gibraltar (1779-1782), detailing the dire circumstances faced by its British garrison as they endure starvation and relentless bombardment from the Spanish forces. The narrative encompasses the hardships of the residents, the struggle for survival, and moments of unexpected heroism, illustrating how human nature is tested under siege. Through vivid descriptions, readers are drawn into both the grim realities of warfare and the lighter, more humorous anecdotes that emerge in the chaos, laying a compelling foundation for the stories that follow.
Isabel Shepperson
Battles of Destiny
"Battles of Destiny" by Sister M. Fides Shepperson is a historical account written in the early 20th century. The book presents vivid descriptions and analyses of seventeen significant battles from history, examining their impacts and the questions they raise about fate and the course of human events. The narratives are designed to engage both casual readers and those deeply interested in history, offering insights into the complexity of warfare and the fluctuating tides of fortune that shape civilizations. The opening portion of the work introduces the battle of Marathon, highlighting its historical significance as a defining moment in the struggle against Persian imperialism. Through a narrative rich in detail, it recounts the pivotal decisions made by Athenian leaders like Callimachus and Miltiades, juxtaposing the fierce courage of the outnumbered Greeks against the perception of invincibility held by the Persian forces. It reflects on the far-reaching consequences of this battle, both in securing Athenian supremacy and in shaping the cultural legacy of Greece, while also contemplating the tragic fates of heroic figures in history whose glories were often followed by deep personal despair.
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