Principles of War

by Carl von Clausewitz

"Not simply the greatest but the only truly great book on war," declared historian Bernard Brodie of Principles of War. Written two centuries ago by a Prussian military thinker, this is the most frequently cited, the most controversial, and in many ways, the most modern book on warfare. Author Carl von Clausewitz fought against the armies of the French Revolution and Napoleon, served as a high-ranking staff officer, and became a prominent military educator. By his day, war had become a contest of mass armies, with results decided by swift, concentrated action and superior effort. "Victory is purchased by blood," Clausewitz proclaims, stating that total victory is assured only through annihilation of the enemy's forces. Based on the author's "thought and observation, philosophy and experience," Principles of War examines the moral and psychological aspects of warfare, stressing the necessity of such qualities as courage, audacity, and self-sacrifice and the importance of morale and public opinion. Clausewitz emphasizes the notion of strategy as an evolving plan, rather than a formula, a concept that makes this work adaptable to modern strategists in fields beyond military science. Translated into virtually every major language, Principles of War is required reading in intermediate-level and senior military schools, as well as in many civilian strategic studies programs and business schools.

Genres: History, War, Military Fiction, Nonfiction, Philosophy, Military History, Politics

96 pages, Paperback

Published February 3, 2003

About the author

Carl Philipp Gottlieb von Clausewitz was a Prussian soldier, military historian and military theorist. He is most famous for his military treatise Vom Kriege, translated into English as On War.

Clausewitz has served in the Rhine campaign (1793–1794), when the Prussian army invaded France during the French revolution and in the Napoleonic Wars from 1806 to 1815.

Clausewitz helped negotiate the Convention of Tauroggen where Russia, Prussia and the United Kingdom formed an coalition that later defeated Napoleon Bonaparte.

Reviews

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read "Principles of War" when I was seventeen years old before I ever considered attending a military academy or joining the service. It was a thrilling book after having read "The Fifteen Decisive Battles of the World" by Sir Edward Shepherd Creasy. I had already found that one could theorize on political systems and whole societies after reading "The Communist Manifesto", but to theorize on the nature and process of war was even more exciting. So, I took notes and memorized von Clausewitz's "nine principles of war", which did not help me much while attending the academy or serving in the military. I had lost interest in war per se, but Clausewitz had made a profound impression on me and still does.

Everyone should read Clausewitz, since it pertains even more today than it did in the 19th century. When you read about him, you'll see how influential his writing has been on military and political leaders right up to the present.

[Olethros · Rating 4 out of 5]

-Probablemente, sin superar tras ciento ochenta y dos años.-

Género. Ensayo.

Lo que nos cuenta. Análisis teórico sobre la guerra basado en el pensamiento del autor, su experiencia y su tiempo, desde su propio concepto hasta la generalidad de sus planes operativos, pasando por las fuerzas armadas, el combate y la teoría estratégica. Publicado de manera póstuma, menos de un año después del fallecimiento del autor, con sólo el primer libro, de los ocho que lo componen, revisado por Clausewitz y los siguientes en mayor o menor grado de finalización editorial.

¿Quiere saber más de este libro, sin spoilers? Visite:

http://librosdeolethros.blogspot.com/...

[Rick Sam · Rating 3 out of 5]

He makes really good points on the theory of warfare, especially on the defense. I think, this applied in World war 2, during the first stages of war. Russia was on the defense side, but later on, their offense was superior (thanks to allied help, enormous soldiers lives), I guess Germany's line of supply became longer and Russia could simply retreat line by line. By doing this, they had more time and weakened the enemy's offense slowly.

War has three objectives
a) Conquer and destroy enemy army
b) To take possession of enemies' materials and power
c) Gain Public opinion

"Victory is purchased by blood" - Von Clausewitz

[Rodrigo Gonçalves · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very good and concise book on militar strategy and tactics written by a Prussian military thinker more than 200 years ago but that still holds on this day.

The military deal with the same topics and challenges as business and management: strategy, tactics, operations, success, goal setting, etc.

This small book is an introductory text on warfare written by von Clausewitz for the Prussian Crown Prince Frederick William. It condenses the major topics of his extended work and magnum opus "On War". The book has for parts: general principles of war, tactics, strategy and application of the principles to war.

The great innovation that von Clausewitz brought to military theory were the impact of moral and psychological factors on the outcome of war.

Von Clausewitz has some "gems" on this book that can be applied perfectly to business, management and life in general:

- "The majority of people are timid by nature and that's why they constantly exaggerate danger."
- "Nothing is accomplished without daring"
- "What is probable will always be probable"
- "We can't be ruined by a single error" (provided that we did adequate preparation)
- "The outward appearance of things rarely corresponds to their essence"
- "We must not despair of success until the last moment"
- "Be audacious in your plans, preserving in their execution and determined to find a glorious end"

[Phoenix Scientist · Rating 3 out of 5]

GOOD BOOK, QUICK READ. A BIT DATED IN IT'S THOUGHT ON WAR, BUT ALSO A PERFECT EXAMPLE OF THE THOUGHTS OF THE AGE; MANY OF THE IDEAS ARE AGELESS THOUGH .

[William · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was written in the great tradition of instructing the sovereign prince in military matters.

[Susan Costantini · Rating 4 out of 5]

Had to read this for background on a paper I'm doing on Clausewitz. Not bad and a very interesting/quick read.

[Dean Marquis · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book and enjoyed it. Clausewitz is the leading Western Military Theorist and his works deserve to be read. His Principles stand the Test of Time and are even more relevant today.

[Drew · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dialectics. Not my cup of tea.

[Evan Clinger · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[Barry Rainwater · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must-read for any U.S. Army Officer. Theory leads to practice, and practice leads to theory.

[Loyalhistorian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good, quick read. It's very straight-forward, and gives the very basics on the principals of war. Of course, I want to eventually read Clausewitz's "On War." I just haven't taken that leap yet with as long as it is. One day.

[Thamrong]

Very difficult book to read and to understand. Clausewitz's magnum opus, On War, is unquestionably the most important single work ever written on the subject of warfare.Clausewitz's writings are of fundamental importance not only for their actual content but because they have done so much to influence almost all subsequent Western (and many nonWestern) military thinkers....

[Landon]

[translator/editor:Hans W. Gatzke|713488]

[Michael · Rating 1 out of 5]

Boring!

[Harley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting.

[Mike Petty · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this to be the most straight-forward and simple to understand of Clausewitz's works.