He was never the same afterwards; only writing about it many years later was he able to find some peace. The American victory at Saratoga over the British meant the success of the revolutionary cause. 144,061 ratings — In some ways, I find this book hard to apply (and easy to misapply) because it’s so aphoristic and general. published 2007, avg rating 3.27 — published 1993, avg rating 4.18 — What’s the point? Regardless of what side you fall on, there is no doubting that T.E. Napoleon is not my strong suit and is someone I still need to study more directly. He calls the Mexican-American War one of the worst and most pointless wars, and the Civil War one of the most important and justified. Losing the War by Lee Sandlin. Dirty Wars: The World Is a Battlefield (about $13) by Jeremy … published 1940, avg rating 4.05 — But I’ve studied war for a long time. 95,247 ratings — Hanson tested all sorts of assumptions and tropes we have about war. On the other, there is its inability to truly appreciate the individual, and of course, its shameful history of politics, ass-covering, and lack of accountability. This book has many philosophical lessons that transcend sword fighting. The Guns of August: The Outbreak of World War I; Barbara W. Tuchman's Great War Series (Modern Library 100 Best Nonfiction Books) Barbara W. Tuchman 4.6 out of 5 stars 2,775 123,449 ratings — They do not — despite what the History Channel and school teachers try to make you think — pertain to flanking movements, or dates, or locations. This book is one of the best and one of the most recent (though most of the memoirs above discuss this issue in some way). (My favorite little tidbit, Thucydides fought in the war, but was apparently disgraced and missed much of it because he caught the plague.) published 2012, avg rating 4.41 — 4.0 out of 5 stars 2,074. 21:14), which apparently contained an anthology of poems describing the victories of the Lord over the enemies of Israel.The only extant piece contains a fragmented geographical note which is very obscure. published 2014, avg rating 4.13 — It also happens to be one of the most haunting, realistic, and harsh memoirs of WWII. War Is a Force that Gives Us Meaning by Chris Hedges. It’s a sad and frustrating situation all the way around. If you want a second book (from the British perspective), try Robert Graves’ Goodbye to All That. The greats have been writing and reading about war — its causes, its effects, its heroes, its victims — since the beginning of written text. Charlie Wilson’s War by George Crile. Genghis Khan was one of the smartest warriors who ever lived, so I’ll say it was the latter. The war basically descended into gang violence in the middle states. Liddell uses Sherman to not only explain the Civil War, but strategy itself. published 1982, avg rating 4.00 — We can learn those skills by studying the best. We are lucky that he has given us a portrait of war so we would never leave our inclinations and attraction to it unquestioned. It’s the story of the unusual circumstances of the Italian invasion and occupation of Greece during WWII. Ulysses S. Grant: Memoirs and Selected Letters by Ulysses S. Grant. Third, the disillusionment of Confederate soldiers at the end of the war. 146,899 ratings — It may in fact be one of the best essays ever written (seriously). Books by Antulio Echevarria II Imagining Future War: The West's Technological Revolution and Visions of Wars to Come, 1880-1914 He was one of the strongest, bravest, boldest men who ever lived, period. It is mentioned in Numbers 21:14–15, which reads: "From there they set out and camped on the other side of the Arnon, which is … It was written in secret on scraps of paper during landings and island battles of Peleliu and Okinawa. I also strongly recommend William James’ essay “Moral Equivalent of War” from 1906 which looks at some of those same urges and drives. published 2012, avg rating 4.30 — But it is of course one of the most important texts on warfare and strategy ever written. The Civil War: A Narrative by Shelby Foote. published 2007, avg rating 4.25 — This book may be “about” war, but it is, like most of these books, mostly about people. We often forget that the Civil War was also a naval war. The Mongols turned war into a science — in fact, the first thing they did when they conquered new territory was find the scientists and scholars and deploy them as needed. 553,222 ratings — The 33 Strategies of War by Robert Greene. On War by Carl von Clausewitz. (The essay Why Men Love War — also about Vietnam — is worth reading for similar reasons.). When Italy dropped its alliance with Germany, Germany attacked the Italian troops in Greece and committed unbelievable atrocities on the local population. If you’re a strategy nut, read this. This is a powerful, moving book about our recent conflicts abroad and an inspiring memoir about strength, will, and empathy. Each book is about a different civilization, a different set of tactics, a different cause. Stevenson tackles vital elements … Those generals are Themistocles, Belisarius, Sherman, Ridgway (in Korea), and Petraeus (in Iraq). Purchase: $16. In The Book of War, John Keegan marshals a formidable host of war writings to chronicle the evolution of Western warfare through the voice of the most eloquent participants—from Thucydides’ classic account of ancient Greek phalanx warfare to a blow-by-blow description of ground fighting against the Iraqi troops in Kuwait during the Gulf War. published 2008, avg rating 3.97 — And we must understand what it does to people. 82,076 ratings — Be sure to listen to our podcast with Andrew Roberts about lessons from great wartime leaders: ________________________________________________. Refresh and try again. One of the greatest fighter pilot instructors who ever lived made his mark not in the air, but on the ground. There is a moment in the book early in Grant’s career as a soldier where he was sent to hunt down a band of guerrillas, shaking with fear as he arrived at their camp only to find they had run away. I won’t lie to you, this is a long book. Kurt Vonnegut considered Bierce’s “Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge” the best short story ever written and that’s enough for me. This is a surprisingly fun, but sadly forgotten book. I don’t really know those things. The Book of Five Rings by Miyamoto Musashi. So read On War for that, not for specific strategies. The Survivors (Life After War Book 1) Book 1 of 16: Life After War. 5 people liked it, All Quiet on the Western Front (Mass Market Paperback), The Diary of a Young Girl (Mass Market Paperback), Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience and Redemption (Hardcover), The Boy in the Striped Pajamas (Hardcover), The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society (Paperback), Band of Brothers: E Company, 506th Regiment, 101st Airborne from Normandy to Hitler's Eagle's Nest (Paperback), Gone with the Wind (Mass Market Paperback), The Tattooist of Auschwitz (The Tattooist of Auschwitz, #1), Black Hawk Down: A Story of Modern War (Hardcover), A Long Way Gone: Memoirs of a Boy Soldier (Hardcover), World War Z: An Oral History of the Zombie War (Hardcover), Maus: Un survivant raconte, tome 1: Mon père saigne l'histoire (Maus, #1), A Game of Thrones (A Song of Ice and Fire, #1), Birdsong: A Novel of Love and War (Paperback), The Killer Angels (The Civil War Trilogy, #2), American Sniper: The Autobiography of the Most Lethal Sniper in U.S. Military History (Paperback), A Clash of Kings (A Song of Ice and Fire, #2). He’s one of the few generals to ever truly capture the horrors of war. In this book, you can actually watch as he struggles with the very human impulses to rationalize, glamorize, and justify what he was forced to do in those jungles. What matters is what we can take from them and apply to our own lives and society. published 1895, avg rating 4.01 — published 1985, avg rating 4.17 — Helmet for My Pillow: From Parris Island to the Pacific by Robert Leckie. Austerlitz - W.G. It’s considered a classic and read by most strategic thinkers across the armed forces today for a reason. Other formats: Audible Audiobook , Paperback , MP3 CD World War 2 Japan: (Pearl Harbour - Pacific Theater - Iwo Jima - Battle for the Solomon Islands - Okinawa - Nagasaki … 1914-1918: The History of the First World War by David Stevenson. 1,088,312 ratings — If you don’t leave with a couple good lines — like knowing yourself as well as you know the enemy — you’re missing out. The lessons in this book are incredibly valuable for anyone fighting against a bureaucracy, against inertia, against doubters and ass-kissers. I’m not saying there are no other lessons, but this is the most salient one. Leckie, a journalist turned Marine, writes of Guadalcanal and Peleliu. And then there was the ultimate overreach by Sparta, who won the war but had no understanding of how to rule an empire. published 2010, avg rating 4.09 — THAT is the true story of Daring and Suffering. I am not alone in this. Listen to These 10 Albums First, 7 Romantic, Non-Lame, Can’t-Miss DIY Valentine’s Day Gifts for Your Gal. These were two utterly horrendous campaigns, fought to the last man against thousands of entrenched (and often suicidal) Japanese troops in insane tropical conditions. 1,095,139 ratings — published 1989, avg rating 4.33 — published 1956, avg rating 4.36 — This book may be “about” war, but it is, like most of these books, mostly about people. Note: I have them roughly organized by chronology and era but feel free to skip around. But these tactics were all used to surprising ends and built an empire that rivaled any other in history, and one that was actually known for its peace, prosperity, and freedom. When we think about contemporary war books, literary fiction is often not what comes to mind. 169,975 ratings — Covid Safety Membership Educators Gift Cards Stores & Events Help. updated Apr 19, 2016 08:11AM — “The Art of War” by Sun Tzu. Bud Day might be one of the most decorated soldiers in American history. What about those rousing speeches given before battle? It also helps us with whatever we happen to be doing. The Book of the Wars of the Lord (סֵפֶר מִלְחֲמֹת יהוה) is one of several non-canonical books referenced in the Bible which have now been completely lost. He too talks of knowing the enemy better than their own commanders — so that your moves actually command and direct them where you want them to go. WAR by Sebastian Junger. He fought in duels with the best warriors in the world, often all at the same time. 1,191,929 ratings — In full hoplite gear, Hanson and his team tried to destroy an olive orchard like a Spartan force might. Lawrence was a talented writer and expert on guerilla warfare. Another good book in this vein (though more contemporary) is Junius and Albert’s Adventures in the Confederacy, about two northern journalists who were captured at Vicksburg and ultimately sent to the same prison camp. published 1947, avg rating 4.34 — Junger offers a vivid, page-turning portrait of what it’s like to be in combat, the powerful bond between men who experience it together, the nature of the love and courage born from battle, and why despite its danger and hardships, men are drawn to it again and again. This book tells of five different generals, each who came in and saved a war that was otherwise likely to be lost. Ostensibly the story of a professional football player who gave up a $3M NFL contract to join the Army Rangers after 9/11, only to die under suspicious circumstances in the hills of Afghanistan, Where Men Win Glory is in its own way, a book about everything that is right and wrong with the military. Robert combines and synthesizes many of the texts above — plus countless other lessons — into a comprehensive book about strategy, execution, and campaigning. He was also perpetually riled up (some think he may have been bipolar) and loved going on the attack. published 1969, avg rating 3.98 — 63,179 ratings — I am not a soldier. The world needs more men like Pat Tillman. The Savior Generals: How Five Great Commanders Saved Wars That Were Lost by Victor Davis Hanson. The reason this book stops at Waterloo and mentions nothing of the Civil War, or the World Wars, is that it was written in 1851. It’s a unique historical document that gives greater influence to our classical past. With the Old Breed: At Peleliu and Okinawa by E.B. It is death, fear, power, love, adrenaline, sacrifice, glory, and the will to survive. published 1999, avg rating 4.14 — I first read this book while researching for a speech Robert Greene (see below) was giving at West Point. Porter was also with Lincoln on his last days, including his foray into Richmond after the Confederate capital fell. There is also a fair amount about Napoleon in Robert Greene’s 33 Strategies (see below). Even Emerson has an enlightening essay on the man. Best Non-fiction War Books List of most compelling nonfiction books about war. from Doom is for the children (2013)https://poisonflowerz.bandcamp.com/album/doom-is-for-the-children-instrumentalz If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. Napoleon’s defeat at Waterloo changed Europe and made Britain the dominant power. 450,522 ratings — Pat Tillman wasn’t perfect, but he was a man we could all learn a thing or two from. published 2010, avg rating 4.12 — Calling Bud Day a badass almost seems patronizing. יהוה סֵפֶר מִלְחֲמֹת, Sefer Milḥamot YHWH), book, mentioned only once in the Bible (Num. 1,911,097 ratings — The Liberator by Alex Kershaw. There he is awarded two Purple Hearts and multiple other medals for bravery and leadership. 261,804 ratings — To some, T.E. It’s going to feel weird reading a book about a German general in WWII but for Rommel we must make an exception. 133,138 ratings — 112,431 ratings — Even if you don’t read the whole thing, it’s worth having on your shelf to flip through. John Robb is one of the greatest living systems thinkers in the world. War is unquestionably mankind at his worst. I prefer this book to The Art of War. Alexander is a wonderful example of the toxic burden of ambition. Oops, war helmets in ancient Greece didn’t have ear holes! In terms of tactical warfare, this book would probably be better titled On War Against Napoleon, because that’s really what Clausewitz was writing about. Xenophon was a student of Socrates and philosophy so this book is a chance to see those teachings in action. But I have picked up quite a bit through this great introductory biography and through books about the period – specifically On War and The Fifteen Decisive Battles of the World (see below). They didn’t really know the Civil War. A Yale and Oxford grad is dropped into Vietnam. 272,682 ratings — Greek Tragedy by Aeschylus, Euripides, and Sophocles. Answer: The Book of the Wars of the Lord is a book referred to in Scripture but now lost to us. Here’s What Happened When I Wore a Tie to Work Every Day for a Year, How To Shave Like Your Grandpa Using a Safety Razor, How to Trim Your Mustache: An Illustrated Guide, The Best Damn Guide to Men’s T-Shirts on the Internet, 10 Things Your Father Should Have Taught You About Style, Podcast #449: Faster and Cheaper Alternatives to College, Saving for Your Kids’ College Education: A Primer on the 529, How to Write the Perfect College Application Essay, How to Pursue a New Career (While Still Getting the Bills Paid), So You (Or Your Wife) Wants to Join a Multi-Level Marketing Company, Podcast #175: How to Improve Your Work and Life With Systems, 10 Tips for Successfully Working from Home, #393: The Importance of Building Your Social Capital, Podcast #659: Do You Want to Be Rich or Wealthy? What It Is Like To Go To War by Karl Marlantes. “Only the dead have seen the end of war.”, “Let your plans be dark and impenetrable as night, and when you move, fall like a thunderbolt.”, avg rating 4.38 — The North’s successful blockade of the South prevented it from surviving economically as a separate nation, and a series of key victories on the Mississippi (New Orleans, Vicksburg, and a few others) split the South in half and gave the Union the control of the most crucial waterways. 631,799 ratings — Receive FREE shipping with your Barnes & Noble Membership. Two former Marine officers suggested I end this list with a book about what happens when people leave the military. Sledge. At the same time, this can lead to a profound ignorance and naivete. published 2005, avg rating 3.99 — I was also surprised to read The Black Count by Tom Reiss, which tells the story of one of Napoleon’s generals — a former slave who happened to be the father of the novelist Alexandre Dumas. Hedges is a masterful writer. Yes, he fought for a terrible cause. A Rumor of War by Philip Caputo. 148,769 ratings — If you like this book, you cannot go wrong by reading his others, including Empire of Illusion. You and a handful of men are to steal a train and run the engine back to enemy lines, destroying the tracks and depots behind you as you go. The book is sharp, hilarious, and an essential read for any lover of American literature. 253,945 ratings — The way it is mentioned in Scripture would indicate that it was somewhat well-known or accessible to the people of ancient Israel. 582,210 ratings — 429,239 ratings — Xenophon is elected to be a leader of the troops and encourages them to fight their way home. It might seem weird to recommend a book of fiction on this list, but smarter people than I — and many actual soldiers — have all raved about the accuracy and poignancy of this book. Slaughterhouse-Five book. Also buy Australian War Movies and documentary DVD about war. Hedges, a former divinity student, shows the effects of war on the men who fight it, on the countries they fight it for, and the politics and people who fall as collateral damage. Want to Get Into Jazz? Chart your own course and report back on what you’ve learned. And don’t stop with these titles either — fall down the rabbit hole and take it where it leads you. There is also the powerful lesson of Athens’ overreach, which culminated their loss at Syracuse and still has immense implications today. 2,436,437 ratings — His lessons on the difference between the seeing eye and the perceiving eye are good. 2,063,352 ratings — The name for the kind of warfare John Robb studies is known as 4th Generation Warfare. But given his profession, it is safe to say he was in a constant state of war. The Fifteen Decisive Battles of the World: From Marathon to Waterloo by Sir Edward Shepherd Creasy. 2,507,171 ratings — I’m certainly not recommending every book about war ever written, or even every book I’ve read on the subject, but instead a collection of the most meaningful. But to others he was a charlatan. This book is quite different from his WWII thriller Enigm The German side is represented by fictional rocket engineer Dr. Graf and the British side by fictional WAAF officer Kay Caton Walsh. They win the battle but Cyrus is killed in the fighting, stranding the entire Greek force thousands of miles and dozens of hostile countries from home. We can also learn what not to do from the wars and generals who fared badly. It is WWI — possibly one of the worst things Western Civilization has ever done to itself — as it actually was. published 2010, avg rating 3.97 — So he became a Navy SEAL. How hard is that? We only recommend products we genuinely like, and purchases made through our links support our mission and the free content we publish here on AoM. The Heart and the Fist: The education of a humanitarian, the making of a Navy SEAL by Eric Greitens.