Subject
Military history Books
Best books
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.
J. W. (John William) Fortescue
Military History: Lectures Delivered at Trinity College, Cambridge
"Military History: Lectures Delivered at Trinity College, Cambridge" by J. W. Fortescue is a scholarly exploration of military history written in the early 20th century. The book is primarily a collection of lectures that define and examine the scope, significance, and nuances of military history, asserting that it is much more than a mere record of wars. The lectures argue that military history encompasses the broader conflicts and interactions between communities and the institutions that enforce order through force. The opening of the work sets the stage by grappling with the challenge of defining military history. Fortescue discusses various interpretations and ultimately proposes that military history should be understood as the strife of communities expressed through organized conflict among armed men. He illustrates this concept with examples from different types of warfare, such as commercial warfare and civil war, to show that conflicts do not always require conventional military engagements to have their historical significance. This setup not only invites a deeper understanding of military history but also hints at the multifaceted nature of human conflict itself.
Recently surfaced classics