What is it about : An "atomic" approach to the Subject by breaking down to the most elemental matters, all things related to military affairs, including war definitions and planning, battle preparation, supplies, training, psychology, diplomatic conducts, historical references, geographical aspects, mathematical angles and postures of attack and defense, the ranks and files formation, manoeuvres to out-flank the adversaries, the Do's and Don'ts in popular up-rising, guerrilla warfare pre-requisites and tactics as well as troop spirit and morale management. Examples given by the author would be mainly from the Napoleonic era, so readers should expect cannon balls, cavalry, mass deployment of soldiers, close quarter combat and Generals on horses in the book's description; not our present day drone strikes, laser beams, fighter aircraft and snipers shooting from a mile away.
Some thoughts after having read the book : Apparently all military personnel around the world had to slog through one of two books of this nature, the other one being the Chinese classic -The Art Of War by Sun Tzu (孫子兵法) dating back to 500 B.C. ! Well, our man Carl here waited long enough till the 18th Century, to come up with an European equivalent of sort. One important insight which I gained from reading the book, would be the author's emphasis on the superior difference in nature and outcome of Defense over Attack, which having thought deeper into this matter, I managed to comprehend the many examples in ancient and present wars relating both to Military campaigns and Trade barbs and the most important but often overlooked aspect of such engagements - Waiting and Timing; that would be, let time do its magic work by exhaustion of the Attackers, letting diplomacy and negotiation time to implement, enduring the blows until public opinion changed, making use of the emerging opportunity windows and finally dealing the fatal counter-punch.
Would I recommend this book to you : Dry as dust ! A hard read to start the year, although most of the book was a tough uphill struggle, I still managed to gain enough pleasure even though it meant the occasional re-read of paragraphs through a mounting headache. I would recommend this book for the purists and if analysis of all things military are your thing, then you should perhaps even own your private copy.
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