The Shortest History of War

About the author

Gwynne Dyer has worked as a freelance journalist, columnist, broadcaster and lecturer on international affairs for several decades. His documentary television series on the history of war was nominated for an Academy Award. He writes a twice-weekly syndicated column on international affairs, published by 175 papers in some 45 countries and translated into over a dozen languages. His next book is on geo-engineering, and will be published by Old Street in 2024. He lives in London.

Summary

In this addition to the bestselling ‘shortest history’ series, acclaimed historian and military expert Gwynne Dyer tells the story of war from its prehistoric – perhaps pre-human – origins up to the present age of algorithms and atom bombs. Dyer chronicles the spread of warfare in the world’s first cities; the seemingly inexorable rise of inequality and tyranny as human societies expand; the millennium-long ‘classical age’ of combat ended by the firearm and the carnage of the Thirty Years’ War; the brief ensuing interlude of ‘limited war’ before the popular revolutions of the 18th century ushered in an era of total war – itself abruptly halted by Hiroshima.

The final chapters deal with the precarious equilibrium of the past 75 years – the longest period of peace between major powers in modern history – and with the looming threats of nuclear proliferation, superpower rivalry and climate change.

Product details

• Authors: Gwynne Dyer, Dyer Gwynne
• Publisher: Old Street Publishing
• Languages: English
• Product format: Paperback / Softback
• Released: 28.02.2022
• EAN: 9781913083236
• ISBN: 978-1-913083-23-6
• Dimensions: 129 mm x 198 mm x 20 mm
• Weight: 240 g
• Series: Shortest History; Shortest Histories The Shortest History of War
• Subjects: Humanities, art, music > History > General, dictionaries; Non-fiction book > Politics, society, business > Politics; HISTORY / Military / General, HISTORY / World, military history, General & world history, General and world history, War and defence operations, War & defence operations