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On War by General Carl Von Clausewitz | The Foundations of Modern Strategy
On War is one of the first books on modern military strategy. Writing mostly after the Napoleonic wars, between 1816 and 1830, von Clausewitz never lived to see it published. He had a theory that it was the integration of political, societal and economic issues that was the most important factor in deciding the outcome of a war. This new theory made On War one of the most important texts on strategy ever written. Here, Andrew Holmes’ interpretation of On War illustrates the timeless nature of von Clausewitz’s insights by bringing them to life through 52 modern case studies of business and society. This brilliant interpretation of On War is an entertaining accompaniment to one of the most famous strategy books ever written.
548 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2010
21 people are currently reading
107 people want to read
About the author
Carl von Clausewitz
379 books408 followersCarl 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.
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.
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
March 9, 2024
Klassikko 5/5
February 1, 2025
Review: On War: Carl von Clausewitz (History, Military Strategy, Classics, Literature) [Annotated]
On War by Carl von Clausewitz is undoubtedly one of the most influential military strategy texts ever written, and this annotated version provides an excellent opportunity for modern readers to engage with the work. Originally written in the early 19th century, Clausewitz’s exploration of war as both an art and a science remains timeless, but its complexity can be daunting. The inclusion of annotations in this edition allows for a deeper understanding of his concepts, making it more accessible to contemporary audiences interested in military theory, history, and political strategy.
Key Features:
• Annotations for Clarity: The annotated version by J. J. Graham offers detailed explanations that assist readers in comprehending Clausewitz’s dense prose. It breaks down his intricate arguments on the nature of war, strategy, tactics, and the relationship between politics and military actions. These annotations ensure that Clausewitz’s nuanced views are not lost in translation.
• Historical and Contextual Insights: This edition provides valuable context to Clausewitz’s ideas, rooted in his experiences during the Napoleonic wars. Readers can gain a better understanding of how his thoughts were shaped by the political and military environment of his time, and how those ideas were groundbreaking in their application to warfare.
• Timeless Relevance: Though written centuries ago, the ideas presented in On War have influenced modern military leaders and strategists, from generals to politicians. This annotated edition draws parallels between Clausewitz’s ideas and their applications in contemporary conflicts, offering reflections on modern warfare.
• Academic and Practical Use: For scholars, historians, or anyone interested in military studies, this edition is an invaluable resource. The annotations not only provide clarity but also present additional insights that enrich the understanding of the original text. It is an essential tool for anyone seeking to grasp the depth and complexity of Clausewitz’s views on war and strategy.
Notable Quotes:
• “War is merely the continuation of politics by other means.”
• “The best strategy is always to advance, but it’s also important to be flexible enough to change course when necessary.”
Final Verdict:
This annotated version of On War is an indispensable tool for both academic and casual readers seeking to understand the enduring relevance of Clausewitz’s military theories. It bridges the gap between historical military thought and modern strategic application, offering readers not only a clearer understanding of On War but also insights into the evolution of military strategy as a whole. The annotations do an excellent job of making the material more digestible without losing the profundity of Clausewitz’s original work.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5) — A compelling and comprehensive version of one of the most significant works on military strategy, ideal for anyone interested in a thorough exploration of war and leadership.
On War by Carl von Clausewitz is undoubtedly one of the most influential military strategy texts ever written, and this annotated version provides an excellent opportunity for modern readers to engage with the work. Originally written in the early 19th century, Clausewitz’s exploration of war as both an art and a science remains timeless, but its complexity can be daunting. The inclusion of annotations in this edition allows for a deeper understanding of his concepts, making it more accessible to contemporary audiences interested in military theory, history, and political strategy.
Key Features:
• Annotations for Clarity: The annotated version by J. J. Graham offers detailed explanations that assist readers in comprehending Clausewitz’s dense prose. It breaks down his intricate arguments on the nature of war, strategy, tactics, and the relationship between politics and military actions. These annotations ensure that Clausewitz’s nuanced views are not lost in translation.
• Historical and Contextual Insights: This edition provides valuable context to Clausewitz’s ideas, rooted in his experiences during the Napoleonic wars. Readers can gain a better understanding of how his thoughts were shaped by the political and military environment of his time, and how those ideas were groundbreaking in their application to warfare.
• Timeless Relevance: Though written centuries ago, the ideas presented in On War have influenced modern military leaders and strategists, from generals to politicians. This annotated edition draws parallels between Clausewitz’s ideas and their applications in contemporary conflicts, offering reflections on modern warfare.
• Academic and Practical Use: For scholars, historians, or anyone interested in military studies, this edition is an invaluable resource. The annotations not only provide clarity but also present additional insights that enrich the understanding of the original text. It is an essential tool for anyone seeking to grasp the depth and complexity of Clausewitz’s views on war and strategy.
Notable Quotes:
• “War is merely the continuation of politics by other means.”
• “The best strategy is always to advance, but it’s also important to be flexible enough to change course when necessary.”
Final Verdict:
This annotated version of On War is an indispensable tool for both academic and casual readers seeking to understand the enduring relevance of Clausewitz’s military theories. It bridges the gap between historical military thought and modern strategic application, offering readers not only a clearer understanding of On War but also insights into the evolution of military strategy as a whole. The annotations do an excellent job of making the material more digestible without losing the profundity of Clausewitz’s original work.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5) — A compelling and comprehensive version of one of the most significant works on military strategy, ideal for anyone interested in a thorough exploration of war and leadership.
November 17, 2021
Very bad interpretation of the original book - not worth your time
June 29, 2025
read this so i could flex it in my global politics class otherwise HATED it (except for the first two chapters they were good)
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews