For nearly two centuries; On War; by Carl Phillip Gottfried von Clausewitz (1780-1831); has been the bible for statesmen and military professionals; strategists; theorists; and historians concerned about armed conflict. The source of the famous aphorism that "war is an extension of politics by other means;" it has been widely read and debated. But; as Jon Sumida shows in this daring new look at Clausewitz's magnum opus; its full meaning has eluded most readers—until now.Approaching Clausewitz's classic as if it were an encoded text; Sumida deciphers this cryptic masterwork and offers a more productive way of looking at the sources and evolution of its author's thought. Sumida argues that On War should be viewed as far more complete and coherent than has been supposed. Moreover; he challenges the notion that On War is an attempt to explain the nature of armed conflict through the formulation of abstract theories.Clausewitz's primary concern; Sumida contends; was practical instruction of the military and political leadership of his country. To achieve this end; Clausewitz invented a method of reenacting the psychological difficulties of high command in order to promote the powers of intuition that he believed were essential to effective strategic decision-making. In addition; Sumida argues that Clausewitz's primary strategic proposition is that the defense is a stronger form of war than the offense. This concept; Sumida maintains; must be understood in order to make sense of Clausewitz's positions on absolute and real war; guerrilla warfare; and the relationship of war and policy/politics.Sumida's pathbreaking critique is supported by examination of the Prussian officer's experience during the Napoleonic Wars; previous major theoretical and historical scholarship on Clausewitz and his writing; and modern philosophical and scientific works that have much in common with Clausewitz's creative guide to the consideration of strategic practice. A major study of intellectual and military history; Sumida's book provides a provocative and above all readily comprehensible treatment of a previously inaccessible classic. It will surely become essential reading for all military professionals and serious students of military thought.
#2202717 in Books University Press of Kansas 2004-07-07Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.02 x .81 x 5.98l; 1.32 #File Name: 0700613285292 pages
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. A Story waiting to be told via general theatrical exposureBy teatime13A historical Account sadly missing from the discourse of how African Americans tried and in far too many cases overcame systemic repressions after the civil war. Hey Ken Burns tackle this topic. This is a documentary or theatrical production begging to be developed.2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. A fine addition to the study of the Civil WarBy Michael J. SopherThough the recent attention of the 54th Massachusetts Colored Infantry- largely due to the success of the movie "Glory"- has garnered some awareness of blacks in the American Civil War; little is still known about these magnificent men who donned the blue uniforms. Blacks played an integral role in the preservation of the Union and deserve the same attention in regards to the respect shown to Civil War veterans.Information on Civil War veterans remains rather sketchy in places with one of those pertaining to African American veterans. Until Donald Shaffer's study; very little was known on the pension availability to black soldiers. Although not surprising; Shaffer's accounts of racism and prejudice further emphasize the general reaction to African Americans. Thousands of blacks died in the war; but they still were not given the full support of white veteran groups or even the general public. After assisting the unification of this country; blacks continued to climb uphill in regards to social rights.Lastly; it was eye-opening to see how difficult our government made it for black veterans to get a pension. The pension process was long; tiresome; and difficult for white Union veterans; nevertheless blacks had it worse. Shaffer's book will be a key addition to any Civil War library and may be a standard for a portrait on black veterans in the postwar period.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Much Needed BookBy Jason J. SimmersA great addition to the vast array of Civil War books/stories. Most books on black soldiers during/post Civil War tend to be dedicated to either particular units or brief disccusions; especially during the Reconstruction; mixed in a deep layer of the Civil War. Shaffer however has brought a much needed story to the history of African-Americans who have served in the United State military; dedicated solely to thier post Civil War struggles. For those who have ever asked themselves what happened to the soldiers after the end credits of "Glory" ran; Shaffer answers that question with much needed and appreciated depth and detail. It is a book that complements Foner's Reconstruction: America's Unfinished Revolution; 1863-1877 and deserves its place in the annals of African-American contributions to the foundation of this nation. If you enjoy this book I highly recommend Slotkin's Lost Battalions: The Great War and the Crisis of American Nationality
