Masters of War: Classical Strategic Thought

by Michael I. Handel

This is the first comprehensive study based on a detailed textual analysis of the classical works on war by Clausewitz, Sun Tzu, Mao Tse-tung, and to a lesser extent, Jomini and Machiavelli. Brushing stereotypes aside, the author takes a fresh look at what these strategic thinkers actually said―not what they are widely believed to have said. He finds that despite their apparent differences in terms of time, place, cultural background, and level of material/technological development, all had much more in common than previously supposed. In fact, the central conclusion of this book is that the logic of waging war and of strategic thinking is as universal and timeless as human nature itself. This third, revised and expanded edition includes five new chapters and some new charts and diagrams.

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

482 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 1992

Reviews

[Am · Rating 4 out of 5]

Far easier read than the source material (Clausewitz, Sun Tzu, Mao, Jomini) and a great dilution and synopsis of their critical points, drawing comparisons, contrasts, and thought exercises derived from each. Handel shows that many timeless and important aspects of strategy in war are shared among all these classic theoreticians, and combined they are additive and agree far more than disagree.

Best used to reinforce concepts after having already consumed the original classic sources; however with the amount of heavy excerpts and block quotes, the aforementioned advice is not required.

[Michael Toleno · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a study of the logic and principles of war based on an analysis of the texts of Clausewitz, Sun Tzu, Mao Tse-tung, and others. It's a good synopsis for understanding the insights of those writers. In many cases, their differing ideas are shown to be consistent perspectives.

Portions of this book were required reading for Strategy & Policy course for JPME I (Joint Professional Military Education, phase I), a war college–level course of instruction that most officers complete by the O-5 level (lieutenant colonel or Navy commander rank). Years after I completed JPME I (in 2009 through the U.S. Naval War College), I went back and read the entire books from which portions had been selected for JPME.

I don't remember this book well. My memory of it blends in with most of the nine JPME I books that I read around this time.

[Franco Arda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Imagine what it would be like if scientist or physicians were to rely on a text written over 150, let alone 2,000, years ago as the most valuable source of introduction in their profession.

Yes, Masters on War is an academic book, while military history & strategy enthusiast should still find many topics interesting. The hypothesis of the author is that the basic logic of strategy is universal. Which should appeal to the non academic reader too ... it's not light reading though!

For a lighter Military Strategy reading, but without loosing depth, there's the masterful written book 33 Strategies of War.

As the saying goes, military collected more genuine intellects and risk thinkers than most if not all other professions. The author won't let down the ambitious reader.

[Al · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an outstanding comparative analysis of Clausewitz, Sun Tzu and Mao, and is a great companion volume while reading any of these theorists, but especially Clausewitz. Handel clearly illustrates his analysis by using quotes from the works of the major theorists. The most rewarding parts of the book to me were the sections on the importance of politics to the military commander, moral forces in war as found in Clausewitz, and chapter 9: "The Supreme Act of Judgement: Understanding the Nature of War and the Trinitarian Analysis." This is an essential companion and well worth one's time to read in order to achieve a deeper understanding of Clausewitz beyond a few pithy quotes misapplied.

[Dean Marquis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a worthwhile read. It combines Clausewitz, Sun Tzu and Jomini. Before I read this book I read Sun Tzu by shambala and I' read a few Clausewitz books. Ive never read any Jomini untill i picked up his book second hand. I thought Jomini was an excellent read on his own. He was a contempary of Clausewitz and they both fought on the same side. Jonini look at Lines of Operation was eye opening and worked on more then one level. If I had a problem, that was it. Jomini and Clausewitz are two similiar. Handel needs to compare Clausewitz. Sun Tzu an the Japanese Martial Arts. Bujitsu involves self perfection as the way and the means. In the Japanese Martial Arts everyone is there own worst enemy.

[Richard · Rating 4 out of 5]

A study of the works of Clausewitz, Sun Tzu, Mao Tse-tung, Jomini, and Machiavelli.

Most people will have heard of Sun Tzu and Mao Tse-tung. Fewer will have heard of Clausewitz. Rare are those who have heard of Jomini. And very few know that Machiavelli wrote a tretise on warfare. So it is refreshing to have a single column that I can point people to who wish to learn more about all of them.

[R.]

Pretty darn good book. I think it would be a little hard to follow for the casual reader who wasn't well versed in the concepts and the names of the main people, that is the only thing that keeps it from getting 5 stars. However, if you have already read "The Art of War", "On War" and the other books that form the foundation of our Western Military thought then this would be a good next step.

[Matthew · Rating 4 out of 5]

Offers a nuanced comparison of Clausewitz and Sun Tzu, revealing similarities in their thinking regarding strategy and the use of force. Good text for identifying differences between "Western" and "Eastern" strategic thinking. Sections on Mao are also particularly interesting.

[ADD · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting read, although short on conclusions and inferences from the multiple classical theorists. Mostly a listing of what each said. Some of the best information is in the appendices.

[AkS · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent comparison between Sun Tzu and Clausewitz.. the writing style could have been a little more user friendly. A must read

[Ali Shemeis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hi

[Bradford · Rating 4 out of 5]

Much more readable than the original source material.

[Jack · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent study on strategy by the masters

[Leigh · Rating 4 out of 5]

good comparison of Sun Tzu and Clausewitz

[Lawrence Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Primarily compares and contrasts the most famous war classicists: Calusewitz and SunTZu. The later editions considers other war theorists as well.

[Greg · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a lengthy comparative work evaluating Sun Tzu with Clausewitz as the standard for strategy and what distinguishes the two great thinkers, Eastern and Western, on strategy.

[Turgut · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sun Tzu, Clausewitz, Jomini, Machiavelli ..