The Oxford History of Modern War - Softcover

3.67

108 ratings by Goodreads

9780192853738: The Oxford History of Modern War

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0192853732 ISBN 13: 9780192853738

Publisher: Oxford University Press, 2000

How has war shaped modern society and vice versa? How has it changed over the centuries between the introduction of firearms and the invention of the atomic bomb? How is war waged today?
This highly informative work examines the techniques, technology, and theories of warfare from the 'military revolution' of the seventeenth century to the present day. Expert contributors explore major developments and themes, including: the extraordinary achievements of Napoleon's armies; the role of nationalism in battlegrounds as various as the American Civil War and the former Yugoslavia; colonial wars; the concept and reality of 'total war;' guerrilla warfare and 'people's wars.'
A History of Modern War offers a comprehensive overview of military conflict over several centuries, with fascinating thematic chapters covering air and sea warfare, combat experience, technology, and even opposition to war. It is the ideal supplementary text for courses on modern history and it is especially useful for anyone broadly curious about modern war.

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Review:

From 18th-century fortifications to nuclear submarines to guerrilla combat, The Oxford Illustrated History of Modern War is a thorough treatment of how warfare has evolved over the last three centuries. The bulk of the book focuses on the 20th century, but it also effectively shows how the past influences the present and may affect the future. A well-chosen illustration on almost every page makes this an exceedingly attractive volume. The list of contributors is heavily English (what else would you expect from Oxford University Press?), and this slightly colors (or, perhaps more accurately, "colours") some of their interpretations--but certainly not in a bad way. Make some extra room on your shelf for this one, right beside books by Karl von Clausewitz and John Keegan.

About the Author:

Charles Townshend is Professor of History at the University of Keele. His books include Making the Peace: Public Order and Public Security in Modern Britain and Political Violence in Ireland: Government and Resistance since 1848.

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