Instructions for His Generals

by Frederick the Great

The king of Prussia from 1740 to 1786, Frederick the Great ranks among eighteenth-century Europe's most enlightened rulers. In addition to abolishing serfdom in his domains and promoting religious tolerance, he was an ardent patron of the arts and an accomplished musician. "Diplomacy without arms," he observed, "is like music without instruments." Frederick's expertise at military matters is reflected in his successful defense of his territory during the Seven Years' War, in which he fought all the great powers of Europe. His brilliant theories on strategy, tactics, and discipline are all explained in this vital text.
"War is not an affair of chance," Frederick asserted, adding that "a great deal of knowledge, study, and meditation is necessary to conduct it well." In this book, he presents the fundamentals of warfare, discussing such timeless considerations as leadership qualities, the value of surprise, and ways to conquer an enemy who possesses superior forces. The soundness of his advice was endorsed by Napoleon himself, who once advised, "Read and re-read the campaigns of Alexander, Hannibal, Caesar . . . and Frederick. This is the only way to become a great captain and to master the secrets of the art of war."

Genres: History, Military Fiction, War, Management, Nonfiction, Military History

112 pages, Paperback

First published August 10, 1748

About the author

Frederick II (German: Friedrich II.; 24 January 1712 – 17 August 1786) was a King in Prussia (1740–1772) and a King of Prussia (1772–1786) from the Hohenzollern dynasty. In his role as a prince-elector of the Holy Roman Empire, he was Frederick IV (Friedrich IV.) of Brandenburg. He was in personal union the sovereign prince of the Principality of Neuchâtel. He became known as Frederick the Great (Friedrich der Große) and was nicknamed Der Alte Fritz ("Old Fritz").

Interested primarily in music and philosophy and not the arts of war during his youth, Frederick unsuccessfully attempted to flee from his authoritarian father, Frederick William I, with childhood friend, Hans Hermann von Katte, whose execution he was forced to watch after they had been captured. Upon ascending to the Prussian throne, he attacked Austria and claimed Silesia during the Silesian Wars, winning military acclaim for himself and Prussia. Near the end of his life, Frederick physically connected most of his realm by conquering Polish territories in the First Partition of Poland.

Frederick was a proponent of enlightened absolutism. For years he was a correspondent of Voltaire, with whom the king had an intimate, if turbulent, friendship. He modernized the Prussian bureaucracy and civil service and promoted religious tolerance throughout his realm. Frederick patronized the arts and philosophers, and wrote flute music. Frederick is buried at his favorite residence, Sanssouci in Potsdam. Because he died childless, Frederick was succeeded by his nephew, Frederick William II of Prussia, son of his brother, Prince Augustus William of Prussia.

Reviews

[Rick Sam · Rating 3 out of 5]

A Great book to understand Fredrick the Great and his thoughts.

"Understand that the foundation of an army is the belly."

[Steven]

This book while brief, was very good. I enjoyed reading the exact words of this 18th century icon. You really get a feel for the era during his explanations of the logic behind the when,where and how to invade Saxony. Also the constant need for control of his own army. Invaluable stuff.

[Robert Hausladen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Frederick provides his instructions based on the time period -- a period when the logistics and mechanisms were considered more important than the "marching muskets" of the army. It is a good look at some detailed considerations of particular territories and positions and less of overall strategy. Good for one who is interested in the history aspects and comparisons of different time periods. Less so for those whose interest is more contemporary.

[Cosma Catalin · Rating 5 out of 5]

a very good book for one who is interested in the history aspects and comparisons of different time periods. A brief overview of the 18th century warfare in the eyes of the greatest revolutionist of pre-modern warfare Frederick the Great ! One of my personal top 10 history personalities :D

[Andrew Fredricks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Insightful

[Alec Avdakov · Rating 3 out of 5]

The translation has bit left to be desired. Plus this version does not include all 28 articles.

[R. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Far better things out there in the genre. This is worth reading for someone who is doing a broad study of the field but given the choice between Frederick and Napoleon, or Frederick and Gustavus Adolphus, or Frederick and just about any of the Great Captains, I would pick someone else. That's just my opinion but I don't think that Frederick is one of the better ones to pick from, let alone try to make an entire study of like this.

[Joe · Rating 3 out of 5]

Direct from the mind of a military master. A how to set of institutions.

[Jezreel J]

He who defends everything defends nothing