87 pages 2 hours read

Carl von Clausewitz

On War

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 1832

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

On War by Carl von Clausewitz, edited and published posthumously by his wife, Marie von Brühl, explores various aspects of warfare across eight Books. The text discusses the nature of war, theory, strategy, combat, military forces, defense, offensive actions, and war planning. Clausewitz emphasizes the psychological elements of warfare, the interaction between tactics and strategy, and the necessity of real-life combat experience.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Various reviews of On War by Carl von Clausewitz demonstrate its profound impact on military theory and strategic studies. Critics praise its depth and comprehensive analysis of war, emphasizing its enduring relevance. However, some find its dense and complex prose challenging. Despite this, its intellectual rigor and insights make it an essential read for scholars.

Who should read this

Who Should Read On War?

A reader who enjoys On War by Carl von Clausewitz is likely a military strategist, historian, or political scientist with a deep interest in the theory and philosophy of warfare. Comparable works include Sun Tzu's The Art of War and Niccolò Machiavelli's The Prince, which also explore the complexities of strategy and tactics in leadership and conflict.

Recommended

Reading Age

18+years

Book Details

Topics

History: World

Military / War

Philosophy

Themes

Society: War

Society: Politics & Government

Emotions/Behavior: courage