Description
The question of how wars may be won is as important as ever to the soldiers, statesmen, and citizens of today. Men have given their lives to that study; a certain few have demonstrated their knowledge of it by deeds accomplished and battles won, others have claimed that same knowledge in their theories and books. The Superstrategists intro- duces the men who throughout history have won wars for their countries on the merit of their ideas.
The famous figures are here-Alexander, Caesar, Frederick, Napoleon, Clausewitz, Genghis Khan, Grant, MacArthur-but also Robert the Bruce, who defended Scotland with the "longest stick" he had; Gustavus Adolphus of Sweden, who preferred to "tether our horses to our enemy's fence"; Sun Tzu of ancient China, who taught that "all warfare is based on deception"; and Win- field Scott, who dared the one strategic move Napoleon never did.
This assortment of great captains, hard- luck soldiers of fortune, scholars, and pontificators was not especially bloodthirsty. Though most considered war a skill, and nearly all were proud of the skill with which they waged it, they did not-for the most part-glory in senseless violence or fury. Instead, their strategies were marked by a professional respect for a worthy foe. Kirkus Reviews hails The Superstrategists as "lively, instructive, and judgmental intelligence," and Publishers Weekly proclaims it "eminently readable." This entertaining and in- formative volume captures the legacy of the superstrategists' martial skills for everyone interested in military and world history.
ISBN:0684183536
