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Military art and science Books
Best books
Carl von Clausewitz
On War
"On War" by Carl von Clausewitz is a book on military strategy written between 1816 and 1830. This unfinished work, published posthumously in 1832, explores how war functions as a continuation of politics by other means. Drawing from experiences with Napoleon and the French Revolution, Clausewitz examines the unpredictable nature of warfare, the role of moral forces in battle, and why military strategy cannot follow strict universal principles. His controversial insights continue shaping military thinking today.
Antoine Henri Jomini
The Art of War
"The Art of War" by baron de Antoine Henri Jomini is a military treatise published in 1838. This influential work presents Jomini's comprehensive theory of warfare, focusing on strategy, grand tactics, and military politics. Through a series of maxims, it explains how to concentrate forces at decisive points and adapt military means to political objectives. The treatise became so essential at West Point that Civil War generals reportedly carried it into battle alongside their swords.
Emperor of the French Napoleon I
The Officer's Manual: Napoleon's Maxims of War
"The Officer's Manual: Napoleon's Maxims of War" by Emperor of the French Napoleon I is a military treatise written in the early 19th century. This work serves as a compilation of strategic principles and timeless maxims derived from Napoleon’s vast military experience, aiming to guide officers in the art of warfare. The manual encapsulates the essence of military strategy, focusing on lessons from notable military campaigns that illustrate these principles. The beginning of the manual introduces the reader to its structure and intent, first presenting a recommendation from Winfield Scott, who endorses the republishing of the work as a critical resource for military officers in America. Following this, the publisher outlines the aim of providing a collection of maxims, each illustrated by historical examples from campaigns led by notable military leaders, including Napoleon himself. The opening section highlights the significance of understanding the principles of warfare to advance knowledge and improvement for aspiring military leaders, setting the tone for a detailed examination of tactical wisdom throughout the text.
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.
H. W. (Henry Wager) Halleck
Elements of Military Art and Science Or, Course Of Instruction In Strategy, Fortification, Tactics Of Battles, &C.; Embracing The Duties Of Staff, Infantry, Cavalry, Artillery, And Engineers; Adapted To The Use Of Volunteers And Militia; Third Edition; With Critical Notes On The Mexican And Crimean Wars.
"Elements of Military Art and Science" by H. W. Halleck is a treatise on military strategy and tactics written in the mid-19th century. This instructional work encompasses various aspects of military operations including strategy, fortifications, tactics of battles, and the organization of different military branches such as infantry, cavalry, and artillery. The book aims to provide valuable insights for military officers, particularly those in volunteer and militia roles, drawing on historical examples and established military principles. The opening of the text introduces the author’s rationale for writing a course on military art and science, emphasizing the long-standing pacific policies of the United States prior to the ongoing civil conflict. Halleck addresses the moral arguments against war, summarizing the views of various ethical writers, including Dr. Wayland, and provides justifications for the necessity of war in cases of self-defense and national security. This initial portion sets the tone for a serious exploration of military ethics and principles, establishing the groundwork for the following discussions on strategy and tactics that will unfold throughout the work.
W. (William) Balck
Tactics, Volume 1 (of 2). Introduction and Formal Tactics of Infantry
"Tactics, Volume 1" by W. Balck is a military treatise focused on the formal tactics of infantry, written in the early 20th century. This publication is likely a revised edition of a work originally released in the late 19th century, reflecting the tactical developments influenced by major military conflicts such as the Boer War and the Russo-Japanese War. The book discusses important principles and methods used in the organization and deployment of infantry, drawing on historical examples to illustrate tactical lessons derived from military history. At the start of this comprehensive work, the author lays a foundation for understanding the principles of war, strategy, and tactics. He emphasizes the continuous evolution of tactics in response to advancements in warfare technology and historical lessons from conflicts. Balck discusses the importance of infantry, addressing its evolution over time and the implications of different tactics, such as linear and column tactics. Furthermore, he outlines the necessity for adaptable training and organization reflecting contemporary requirements while integrating insights from military history to inform effective tactical methods. This introduction sets the stage for a detailed exploration of infantry tactics, emphasizing their relevance and application in various combat scenarios.
James Anson Farrer
Military Manners and Customs
"Military Manners and Customs" by James Anson Farrer is a historical account written in the late 19th century. The book explores the principles and evolution of military customs and laws throughout history, focusing specifically on their moral implications and human elements. It provides an insightful critique of the dichotomy between the ideals of warfare and the often brutal realities, examining how various militaristic practices have developed over time. At the start of the text, the author sets the stage by discussing the historical context and significance of military customs, emphasizing the moral and human aspects that are frequently overlooked. Farrer introduces the concept of 'Bellology,' which he suggests could serve as a modern framework for studying warfare's history and ethics. The opening portion looks into the laws of war, touching on various examples such as the prohibition of certain weapons and the treatment of prisoners, while highlighting the paradox that many brutal practices persisted even amidst attempts at reform. This foundational section promises a thorough analysis of warfare's evolution and its complexities, making it a compelling read for those interested in military history and ethics.
Thomas W. Corbin
The Romance of War Inventions A Description of Warships, Guns, Tanks, Rifles, Bombs, and Other Instruments and Munitions of Warfare, How They Were Invented & How They Are Employed
"The Romance of War Inventions" by Thomas W. Corbin is a historical account written in the early 20th century. This work explores the technological advancements and inventions utilized in warfare, detailing military equipment such as warships, guns, tanks, and bombs, along with their invention and use. Corbin aims to illustrate the intersection between peaceful arts and wartime innovation, making it a potentially fascinating read for those interested in military history and technological development during times of conflict. At the start of the narrative, Corbin introduces the significant shift in warfare from singular trades like the armoury to the collective industrial effort that modern armies require. He discusses how commonplace materials, such as common salt, can be transformed into critical components for explosives, linking peaceful industries to military needs. The opening emphasizes the depth of connection between various substances and their transformed roles in warfare, setting the stage for a detailed exploration of how inventions evolve and impact battlefields.
Anonymous
Lectures on Land Warfare; A tactical Manual for the Use of Infantry Officers An Examination of the Principles Which Underlie the Art of Warfare, with Illustrations of the Principles by Examples Taken from Military History, from the Battle of Thermopylae, B.C. 480, to the Battle of the Sambre, November 1-11, 1918
"Lectures on Land Warfare; A Tactical Manual for the Use of Infantry Officers" is a military manual written in the early 20th century. This work serves as a comprehensive examination of the principles underlying warfare, focusing specifically on the tactical application of these principles for infantry officers, while drawing on various historical military examples. The beginning of this manual sets the stage for a detailed exploration of military tactics and strategies, emphasizing the importance of understanding fixed principles in warfare. In the opening chapters, the author critiques popular misconceptions about warfare, such as the belief that it can solely rely on common sense or that strategic thinking is exclusive to higher-ranking officers. Detailed discussions introduce key concepts like the significance of moral force, the interplay between strategy and tactics, and the necessity for extensive study of military history to inform proper decision-making in the face of conflict. The manual aims to fortify infantry officers with knowledge that will shape their effectiveness in battle, with references spanning historical contexts from classical warfare to World War I.
Carl von Clausewitz
Grundgedanken über Krieg und Kriegführung
"Grundgedanken über Krieg und Kriegführung" by Carl von Clausewitz is a philosophical treatise on military strategy written in the early 19th century. The work delves into the nature of war, its principles, and the relationship between war and politics, asserting that war is a continuation of state policy by other means. It explores key concepts such as the theory of defense, the complexities of decision-making, and the effects of war on both soldiers and nations. The opening of the text introduces Clausewitz's fundamental views on the nature and essence of war. He argues that war is not merely a series of battles but an extension of political discourse, and emphasizes the integral roles of both physical violence and the psychological aspects of combat. Clausewitz discusses the importance of understanding both the challenges of warfare and the need for strategic planning, while recognizing that the unpredictability of war makes rigid theories insufficient. He sets the stage for a comprehensive exploration of military operations and decision-making, highlighting the necessity for adaptability and the evaluation of risks in battlefield contexts.
James F. J. (James Francis Jewell) Archibald
Blue Shirt and Khaki: A Comparison
"Blue Shirt and Khaki: A Comparison" by James F. J. Archibald is a military analysis written in the early 20th century. The text provides a detailed examination of the British and American soldiers during the transition to modern warfare, reflecting on their equipment, training, and battlefield performance. Archibald draws comparisons between the two nations' military personnel, highlighting their similarities and differences, and explores the underlying sentiments of camaraderie, rivalry, and evolving perceptions of their respective strengths. The opening of the book sets the stage by immediately comparing the American and British soldiers in the wake of their military engagements during the late 19th century, notably in Cuba and the Boer War. Through vivid accounts of the battlefields and detailed observations of both armies’ approaches, Archibald introduces key figures such as Colonel Arthur Lee and Captain Slocum, emphasizing their respect for one another despite the competition between their nations. He reflects on the evolution of military traditions, equipment disparities, and the intrinsic qualities of the soldiers, suggesting that the American soldier's adaptability and the British soldier's historical prowess each have unique advantages that reflect their respective nations' military cultures. Archibald's firsthand experiences provide a rich context for his analyses, setting a compelling tone for the thorough examination that follows in subsequent chapters.
Stewart Lygon Murray
The Reality of War: A Companion to Clausewitz
"The Reality of War: A Companion to Clausewitz" by Stewart Lygon Murray is a military theory publication written in the early 20th century. This work serves as a guide to the principles laid out by the renowned military theorist Clausewitz, distilling his complex ideas into accessible summaries designed for both military professionals and interested civilians. The book encompasses themes concerning the nature of warfare, strategy, and the philosophical underpinnings of military action in the context of state policy. The opening of the book introduces Clausewitz not merely as a theoretical construct but as a seasoned soldier whose experiences greatly influenced his thoughts on war. The text emphasizes his practical military background and the significance of understanding war as an extension of policy. Additionally, it sets the stage for discussing how his writings have shaped modern military thought, noting that Clausewitz’s ideas have evolved to become fundamental principles evident in contemporary military strategy, underscoring the enduring relevance of his insights.
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