Post by bazooka on Oct 25, 2019 2:00:48 GMT
Sun Tzu: Art of War
Carl von Clausewitz: On War
Julius Caesar: Gallic Wars
Art of War is an ancient classic that is still relevant today. The book teaches that the best way to wage a war is by not waging one; the best battle is one you don't need to fight; and that the smart general outmaneuvers the stupid one to the point where it is no longer necessary to fight because the issue is decided. War is inherently very wasteful. It is not a light undertaking, and should be prepared for very carefully.
On War is the first and most important treatise on war from a modern perspective. Art of War and many other old books resemble manuals; do this and you win, don't do this or you'll lose. On War tries to be a study on the phenomenon, rather than a guide. The text can be hard to understand by a modern reader due to things like dialectics; reading with a study guide is recommended.
Gallic Wars is a book written by a very successful general. It gives both insight to the mindset of someone who wants to win and day-to-day life in military. Rarely does a general win by stroke of tactical genius; often it is a matter of keeping your men invested in the effort, making sure you have enough of everything needed and understanding the local environment to prevail. Of the three books listed here, this is most readable. You can read it as an adventure story, if you so choose.
In addition to these, I would suggest reading on what society is and what it should be to understand the basis of all war.
Carl von Clausewitz: On War
Julius Caesar: Gallic Wars
Art of War is an ancient classic that is still relevant today. The book teaches that the best way to wage a war is by not waging one; the best battle is one you don't need to fight; and that the smart general outmaneuvers the stupid one to the point where it is no longer necessary to fight because the issue is decided. War is inherently very wasteful. It is not a light undertaking, and should be prepared for very carefully.
On War is the first and most important treatise on war from a modern perspective. Art of War and many other old books resemble manuals; do this and you win, don't do this or you'll lose. On War tries to be a study on the phenomenon, rather than a guide. The text can be hard to understand by a modern reader due to things like dialectics; reading with a study guide is recommended.
Gallic Wars is a book written by a very successful general. It gives both insight to the mindset of someone who wants to win and day-to-day life in military. Rarely does a general win by stroke of tactical genius; often it is a matter of keeping your men invested in the effort, making sure you have enough of everything needed and understanding the local environment to prevail. Of the three books listed here, this is most readable. You can read it as an adventure story, if you so choose.
In addition to these, I would suggest reading on what society is and what it should be to understand the basis of all war.