Clausewitz's 'On War'

A Biography: Books That Changed the World

De: Hew Strachan

Narrado por: 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.

Deceptive

I wanted to learn from the classic text. This is no more than a history of writing "On War". It should have been titled "On 'On War'" I have no more idea after listening to this as to what Clausewitz's classic thoughts were on war than when I began. Unless you are into a history of when the book was written and potential influences, I give this a big pass.