Clausewitz's On War

A Biography: Books That Changed the World

By: Hew Strachan

Narrated by: Simon Vance

Perhaps the most important book on military strategy ever written, Carl von Clausewitz's On War has influenced generations of generals and politicians, has been blamed for the unprecedented death tolls in the First and Second World Wars, and is required reading at military academies to this day. But On War, which was never finished and was published posthumously, is obscure and fundamentally contradictory. What Clausewitz declares in book 1, he discounts in book 8. The language is confusing and the relevance not always clear. For a book that has truly changed the world, On War is extremely difficult for the general reader to approach, to reconcile with itself, and to place in context.

Hew Strachan, one of the world's foremost military historians, answers these problems in this fascinating book. He explains how and why On War was written, elucidates what Clausewitz meant, and offers insight into the impact it made on conflict and its continued significance in our world today.

Listen to more Books That Changed the World.©2007 Hew Strachan (P)2007 Tantor Media Inc.

Puts a masterwork into perspective

Superb narration. Well-reasoned argument by an author who clearly appreciates the man without worshipping him.

A must read

If you could sum up Clausewitz's 'On War' in three words, what would they be?

Hew Strachan is amazing. Read everything he writes. This is a must read for every member of the military or state department.

Not what I expected

I bought this thinking it was the actual On War by Clausewitz and I like Simon Vance's narration.

Clausewitz's 'On War'

A marvelous biography of a fascinating man. Clausewitz remains one of the best strategist of his - as well as our - time. Well-worth listening to.

On War

I bought this book to hear Clausewtiz's "On War". The author's introduction, history and input on what Clausewitz wrote was great, but I waited in vain to hear what Clausewitz actually wrote. Much of what the author wrote about background issues was very important, but with the background it should have been my job to interpret and evaluate Clausewtiz's words, not just the authors. I was disappointed and hopefully I can find "On War" in it's entiriety so I can make my own decision.