The Military Quotation Book: More than 1,200 of the Best Quotations About War, Leadership, Courage, Victory, and Defeat

by James Charlton (Editor)

Revised and expanded to include over 1,200 quotations, The Military Quotation Book brings together the wisdom of fallen heroes and living politicians, honored statesmen and rebellious writers-quoting official edicts as well as off-the-record remarks.

Ten years ago, with World War II, Korea and Vietnam still sharp memories, James Charlton collected words of wisdom about the work of war, usually wise, often witty, all honoring the men and women who do that work. Although this new and expanded edition of The Military Quotation Book was readied for production before U.S. fighters were once more front-page news, it comes at a more than appropriate time. There are over 1,200 quotations, more than twice as many as previously. We hear from the generals and admirals of the past and present, from American presidents as well as from those at the bottom of the roster -- ordinary enlisted men and women from every branch. Civilians have their varying says as well. This gem of a book is a kaleidoscope of points of view, and every one hits its mark.

For everyone who has his or her own take on the military, for history buffs, speechmakers, veterans and those serving now, The Military Quotation Book is a loaded canon of memorable expressions.

Genres: Military Fiction, Nonfiction

160 pages, Hardcover

First published October 15, 1990

Reviews

[Michael Duane Robbins · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a treasure trove of quotations from the well-known to the relatively obscure. At the same time it can be a frustrating read. Nitpicks: I wasn't pleased that the quotes were not placed in any sort of context, specifically for when it was given or for what conflict it related to. I recognized some of the names, but that was because I'd studied a particular conflict or they were just people from within my own lifetime. Also, the author is in need of a good Index editor; many quotes attributed to certain parties were not on the page listed in the index. In fact the word in question could be one, two or even one hundred pages off the target. it's a good book, but in desperate need of a revision editor.

[Jacqui · Rating 4 out of 5]

When you need quotations on war, leadership, victory and defeat, beyond the standards offered on the internet (i.e., Winston Churchill, Mao, Patton), this is an excellent resource. Hundreds of quotes on topics that apply to life's traumas and dramas as much as the military. Includes philosophers and strategists like Sun Tsu, Andrew Carnegie, Ghandi, Themistocles and more. Here are a few examples--you judge:

I tell you, Wellington is a bad general, the English are bad soldiers; we will settle the matter by lunch time. (Bonaparte the morning of the Battle of Waterloo)

They were never defeated; they were only killed (the French Foreign Legion)

Elevate those guns a little lower (Andrew Jackson)

There never is a convenient place to fight a war when the other man starts it (Admiral Arleigh Burke)

It includes many categories (fear, originality of war, nuclear war, etc) as well as an index to organize quotees. If you're an action/thriller writer, this should be in your library.

[Alicia · Rating 3 out of 5]

With quotes ranging from humorous to profound and everywhere in between, this is an interesting look at what various people throughout history have thought about the military and aspects of it.