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On War is one of the most important books on the subject of war and military tactics & strategy ever written. Carl Philipp Gottlieb von Clausewitz was a Prussian soldier, military historian and military theorist who's Vom Kriege (On War) has influenced military leaders for two centuries.
On War is an intricate investigation of Clausewitz's observations based on his own experience in the Wars of the French Revolution and the Napoleonic Wars and on considerable historical research into war. It was shaped not only by military and political considerations but by Clausewitz's strong interests in art, science, and education. In On War von Clausewitz examines moral and psychological aspects of warfare, stressing the necessity of courage, audacity, and self-sacrifice, as well as the importance of morale and public opinion. He emphasizes the need of strategy as an evolving plan, a concept adaptable to modern strategists in fields beyond military science. Today On War is recognized as one of the best references for businesses strategy in print.
This version of On War was translated from the original German by Colonel J.J. Graham and includes an Introduction and Notes by Colonel F.N. Maude.
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. von Clausewitz fought against the armies of the French Revolution and Napoleon, served as a staff officer, and became a prominent military educator. In On War he examines moral and psychological aspects of warfare, stressing the necessity of courage, audacity, and self-sacrifice, as well as the importance of morale and public opinion. He emphasizes the notion of strategy as an evolving plan, rather than a formula, a concept adaptable to modern strategists in fields beyond military science.
About the author
Carl von Clausewitz was a Prussian general and military theorist born on July 1, 1780, in Burg bei Magdeburg, within the Kingdom of Prussia. From a young age, Clausewitz was immersed in military life, joining the Prussian army at age 12 and later fighting in the Napoleonic Wars. He was well-regarded for his intellectual approach to military science and received formal education at the Prussian Military Academy in Berlin. His career saw various roles, including service as an aide to notable military leaders, participation in the 1806 campaign against Napoleon, and a brief period serving in the Russian army.Clausewitz's most enduring legacy is his treatise, On War (Vom Kriege), which he wrote during his lifetime but left unfinished upon his death in 1831. This seminal work delves into the theory and philosophy of war, examining its complexities, the influence of politics, and the concept of the "fog of war"-the inherent uncertainty and chaos in warfare. Clausewitz's insights on strategy, tactics, and the dynamics of armed conflict, such as his idea of war as "a continuation of politics by other means," have had a lasting impact on military thought.The influence of Clausewitz's ideas extended far beyond his lifetime, shaping the strategies of military leaders and theorists globally. His concept of the "trinity" of war-encompassing the government, military, and people-has become a cornerstone of modern military studies. Clausewitz's work remains relevant to this day, providing a theoretical foundation for understanding both conventional and unconventional warfare, and he is considered one of the foremost thinkers in the field of military strategy and philosophy.
