THIS IS A UNIQUE AND IMPORTANT BOOK. Never before has the general history of warfare (not mere memoirs or military theory) been written by a professional soldier who has himself victoriously commanded great armies in the field. We may not like war, but for that very reason we cannot afford to ignore it. As Liddell Hart has said, 'If you want peace, understand war.' Nobody is better able to contribute to our understanding than Field- Marshal Montgomery. Throughout his career he has been a serious student of military history, and in the research for this book he has ensured that the historical aspect of his work is soundly based on the most up-to-date historical findings. He has then brought to bear on-military history the judgment and interpretation of a great master of war. Many consider him to be the greatest British commander since Wellington. Six chapters in this book set forth the essence of the Fieid-Marshal military thinking. Otherwise the scheme is chronological. He impresses on the reader the importance of political factors in war. Indicating when these become paramount. and lays down the profound truth that the true object of Grand Strategy must be a secure and lasting peace, which is the responsibility of political leaders. The Field-Marshal then passes on to strategy. which concerns the conduct of war and to tactics. which deals with fighting, and shows how progress in the design and manufacture of weapons has influenced methods and techniques since earliest times. Leadership runs like a golden thread throughout the book and the great captains of the past are examined under a microscope. Finally in the Epilogue the Field -Marshal indicates his intense interest in the human factor in war. and the need for commander to regard the lives of his men as precious not be risked without good cause nor used when other means will serve. And this book on warfare closes with a soldiers hope that one day the Last Post sound over enmity and strife, so that we may enter an era of goodwill and peace. This 1972 Collins Hardback is in good condition. DJ; Book is in good condition but with general age-related wear and tear; Inscription inside. SKU: 1526908 Note: Any image shown is from a stock photo and is not the actual book.
