ePub A Military History of the Western World (From the Defeat of the Spanish Armada to the Battle of Waterloo) by J. F. C. Fuller in History

Review

2 of 9 people found the following review helpful. Good Basic Book on Western strategyBy A CustomerGood grounding book in strategy.2 of 3 people found the following review helpful. Fuller's Classic No 2By Roger KennedyFuller continues his sweeping Military History of the Western World in this 2nd Volumne of the series. In this book the master takes us from the Spanish Armanda all the way up to Waterloo. This covers the crux of Warfare in the 17th and late 18th Centuries.The familier format is followed here as before. Fuller concentrates are a central highlight for each period and provides linking chapters to show social; scientific; military and even intellectual developments for the era concerned. While an eccentric officer in his day; Fuller is a wonderful writer when it comes to Military History. He is able to compare and summerize entire periods brilliantly. Those who think he is pro-British should read his chapters on the American Revolution. They are full of praise for Washington; with considerably less for his British counterparts. Although here Fuller rightfully faults the British command system more than anything else. He actually gives a lot of credit for the daring of Burgoyne's 1777 Campaign despite its failure. There are fine chapters here on Frederick The Great and the battles of Rossbach and Leuthen; as well as the earlier 30 Years War with excellent analysis of Gustav Adolfus and the Swedish military reforms of the time.The narrative is equally strong with Marlborogh and the battle of Blenheim; as well as Peter The Great and his decisive victory over the Swedes at Poltava. The middle 18th century is left out a little and unfortunately not much is said about the great Marquis de Saxe in the War of the Austrian Succession and the epic battle of Fontenoy.The book concludes with an extensive look at Napolean's early victory at Jena-Auerstadt; as well as the later debacles at Leipzig and Waterloo. A great chapter on Nelson at Trafalgar is also provided.Throughout Fuller is masterful in providing comparison and criticism. The only weakness in a series like this is that its scope tends to be strategic and thus generalizations are often made. Less is also provided on tactics and formations that troops assumed in these periods. But these are surely minor points in what is otherwise a superlative work. For sweep; continuity; and sheer good historical writing Fuller is a classic that should be read by all. Those who think otherwise are fools!0 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Good Book for This GenreBy Master HahnWould be great except for dry and classroom book feel.Solid 4-star rating.I would like to provide textual content on that Rating as part of this Review; however am unable to do so. The ACDLT has restricted ability to Comment or Reply (without any prior warning; any specific notification; any identification of specific alleged problems or appeal).That being so; an inability to respond to Review comments by others (positive; negative; indifferent) would be unfair to myself and others.But it is a solid 4-star book in this genre.