This is the definitive introductory study of war. Professor Black introduces the subject in a broad manner, ranging across historical time periods and geographical boundaries. In this concise history of war, Jeremy Black ranges widely, giving due attention to non-western as well as western traditions. The history of war is inextricably bound to the history of the world. Through a detailed exploration of 'world-scale' issues of warfare, presented within a chronological framework that spans human history, Jeremy Black skilfully illustrates this fact whilst providing the reader with other astute insights and compelling interpretations of war. "War: A Short History" is a dramatic move away from the formulaic, western approach to military history. Too narrow in its focus on wars specific to the west and too simple because of an over-reliance on a technologically-deterministic reading of warfare, this approach has been rejected by Jeremy Black in favour of a global model that takes all factors into account when considering the strengths and weaknesses of a particular military tradition. This is a book that is as important for its relevance to current world issues of conflict as it is for its through consideration of a monumentally significant aspect of human history.
This is the definitive introductory study of war. Professor Black introduces the subject in a broad manner, ranging across historical time periods and geographical boundaries. In this concise history of war, Jeremy Black ranges widely, giving due attention to non-western as well as western traditions. The history of war is inextricably bound to the history of the world. Through a detailed exploration of 'world-scale' issues of warfare, presented within a chronological framework that spans human history, Jeremy Black skilfully illustrates this fact whilst providing the reader with other astute insights and compelling interpretations of war. "War: A Short History" is a dramatic move away from the formulaic, western approach to military history. Too narrow in its focus on wars specific to the west and too simple because of an over-reliance on a technologically-deterministic reading of warfare, this approach has been rejected by Jeremy Black in favour of a global model that takes all factors into account when considering the strengths and weaknesses of a particular military tradition. This is a book that is as important for its relevance to current world issues of conflict as it is for its through consideration of a monumentally significant aspect of human history.
Preface Introduction 1. Until the 'Barbarian' Invasion 2. From the Creation of the Islamic World to the Start of European Transoceanic Expansion, 630-1490 3. The Gunpowder Empires of the Early-Modern World, 1490-1630 4. From the Mid-Seventeenth Century Crisis to the Age of Revolutions, 1630-1800 5. The World of the European Empires, 1800-1950 6. To the Present, 1950- 7. Conclusions: Assessing War Selected Further Reading Index
The definitive introductory study of war; Professor Black introduces the subject in a broad manner, ranging across historical time periods and geographical boundaries.
Jeremy Black is a British historian and a Professor of History at the University of Exeter, UK.
'It ranges from the early wars in China to a succinct treatment of
the Second World War including the latest research on the vast
subject area. The author stresses the non-Western traditions
in his survey together with the global wars of the modern era and
making it all very relevant to the present state of warfare.
It should prove useful to both the seasoned historian and the
novice to military history.' - The Bulletin of the Military
Historical Society
'Read this' - Times Educational Supplement
‘His text is dense but it is crammed with erudition and
surprisingly, given its enormous scope, makes very few sacrifices
in its readability.'
*BBC History Magazine*
This is a valuable addition for all those involved in war studies
be they university students or the armed forces... The book is very
readable and should stand as an object lesson to students on how to
write... Professor Black covers the battle of Stalingrad in a
single paragraph which is a superb demonstration of his skills in
covering the ground: a very model of brevity. This is a very good
book and to be recommended.
*British Army Review*
'[A] successful enterprise in which [Black] ranges effortlessly
from about 35,000 BC to the present in under 200 pages ... Black
feels that military history 'often lacks intellectual
sophistication'. His own brief account of war through the
ages is therefore an elegantly written and salutary corrective.' -
Standpoint
'Black's coverage of military history contains extensive analyses
... This book will be most useful to students in war studies
programmes, as well as readers reflecting on the fascinating
history of human conflict ... An interesting and challenging book.'
- Times Higher Education
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