Geschichte Der Kriegskunst

History of the Art of War #1-4

by Hans Delbrück, Ulrich Raulff

Delbruck's great pioneering "Geschichte der Kriegskunst" is a comprehensive work on the history and organisation of wars. It spans the centuries from the Persian Wars to Clausewitz at the beginning of the 19th century. Although individual details have been criticised, Delbr ck counts among the great 19th century German historians, Gregorovius, Mommsen, von Ranke and Burckhardt. Delbruck puts paid once and for all to the view that wars are only conducted by the leaders in the field; for him, military organisation and changes in tactics over the centuries are of primary significance, and he relates these changes to political history. At the same time he unfolds a living panorama of the various social groupings and the cultural context.

Genres: Military History, History

Hardcover

First published January 1, 1990

About the author

German historian who looked at military history in the context of world history.

Sat in the Reichstag, was Professor of History at the University of Berlin and was a member of the German delegation to the Versailles Peace Conference after the First World War.

Reviews

[Curtiss · Rating 3 out of 5]

These are almost overwhelmingly comprehensive in their coverage of the four eras of warfare which the author has divided his subject into: Ancient, Barbarian Invasions, Medieval, and Modern. I have volumes I, III, and IV, but not volume II (yet!); and have only worked my way through I & III so far.

[Natalie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sehr preussisch geschrieben! Deutsche Sicht auf die Kriegskünste, von der Antike bis in die Neuzeit. Ein wenig ideelle teutonische Sichtweise ist spürar. Jedoch peinlichst detailliert auseinandergenommen, analysiert und wiedergegeben. Ausserordentlich lehrreich.

[Raully · Rating 3 out of 5]

To be honest: I've only gotten through the first two volumes so far. Trying to keep my German fit while getting some insight into the German fin-de-siecle mind.