Broadly defined as the grey area between strategy and tactics; operational art spans the theory and practice of planning and conducting campaigns and major operations aimed at accomplishing strategic and operational objectives in a given theatre of operations. An intermediate link between strategy and tactics has always existed; but a distinct concept that encompasses a systematic and deliberate plan of campaign for major operations is a mere two hundred years old. Based on country specific case-studies; The Evolution of Operational Art describes how the concepts that underpin operational art originated; how they received practical expression in various campaigns; and how they developed over time. The point of departure is the campaigns of 'the God of War'; Napoleon Bonaparte. The book then proceeds with chapters on the evolution of operational art in Prussia / Germany; the Soviet Union / Russia; the UK; US; Israel; and China. The final chapter deals with the future of operational art in irregular warfare. Theory is critical to refining and improving existing methods of applying operational warfare; and its importance cannot be overstated; however; to be useful; theory and its accompanying vocabulary must be combined with a proper examination of historical trends and practical experience. The Evolution of Operational Art attempts to achieve that combination.This book is a project of the Oxford Leverhulme Programme on the Changing Character of War.
#118068 in Books Herodotus 2008-05-15Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 4.00 x 1.50 x 7.60l; 1.28 #File Name: 0199535663840 pagesThe Histories
Review
31 of 32 people found the following review helpful. Quite surprisingBy JoshJoshThis is a ~2500 year old book on history that was criticized right after it came out. It's often viewed as the less serious; less academic; inferior work when compared to Thucydides - the author who provided the template for future historians. For that reason; a modern reader may hesitate to look at it. They should not. It is a wonderful read - the stories are great; the sociological descriptions are wonderful; the deductive analysis (when placed into context) is remarkable. The book's engagement with real world events must be considered; and there are excellent footnotes to discuss it. Ultimately; this is the best and often only source for many of his subjects. As such it is well worth reading and engaging with. Afterwards you will probably spot many; many references to this book through the centuries. The Histories is critical to our modern day understanding of the classical world. I do think that reading it with a map of the ancient world would be helpful if you're not familiar with the landscape; but other than that; just go along with it.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Classic that is so enjoyable to readBy Rod JettonHow is it that I have never read this classic. And the notes included with this version were extremely helpful. Herodtus has a great way of telling stories and I like how he jumps from topic to topic while explaining history. I felt like I was at my grandpa's feet hearing about the good old days with some lessons on life thrown in. I should have read this years ago!!!0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. HerodotusBy emmarqThis was a gift for my husband and he is studying Herodotus . However; I took a sneak into it and now am reading it. It is long and is slow reading; but worth it.
