On War

On War is one of the most important books on the subject of war and military tactics & strategy ever written. Carl Philipp Gottlieb von Clausewitz was a Prussian soldier, military historian and military theorist who's Vom Kriege (On War) has influenced military leaders for two centuries.

On War is an intricate investigation of Clausewitz's observations based on his own experience in the Wars of the French Revolution and the Napoleonic Wars and on considerable historical research into war. It was shaped not only by military and political considerations but by Clausewitz's strong interests in art, science, and education. In On War von Clausewitz examines moral and psychological aspects of warfare, stressing the necessity of courage, audacity, and self-sacrifice, as well as the importance of morale and public opinion. He emphasizes the need of strategy as an evolving plan, a concept adaptable to modern strategists in fields beyond military science. Today On War is recognized as one of the best references for businesses strategy in print.

This version of On War was translated from the original German by Colonel J.J. Graham and includes an Introduction and Notes by Colonel F.N. Maude.

Written two centuries ago by a Prussian military thinker, this is the most frequently cited, the most controversial, and in many ways, the most modern book on warfare. von Clausewitz fought against the armies of the French Revolution and Napoleon, served as a staff officer, and became a prominent military educator. In On War he examines moral and psychological aspects of warfare, stressing the necessity of courage, audacity, and self-sacrifice, as well as the importance of morale and public opinion. He emphasizes the notion of strategy as an evolving plan, rather than a formula, a concept adaptable to modern strategists in fields beyond military science.