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Warriors: Portraits from the Battlefield
Heroism in battle has been celebrated throughout history, yet it is one of the least understood virtues. What makes some men and women perform extraordinary deeds on the battlefield? What makes them risk their lives in the pursuit of victory?Max Hastings, one of our foremost military historians, has seen combat up close and written about it for decades. In Warriors , he brings us the experiences of fourteen soldiers who fought in the wars of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. From an exuberant cavalry officer in Napoleon’s army to an abused orphan who in World War II became America’s youngest general since Custer, to an Israeli officer who recovered from a devastating injury to save his country, each portrait depicts a unique and remarkable story. A tribute to soldierly valor and a deeply insightful study of combat, this is an essential book for anyone who wishes to understand what it means to be at war.
354 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2005
About the author
Max Hastings
106 books1,829 followersSir Max Hugh Macdonald Hastings, FRSL, FRHistS is a British journalist, editor, historian and author. His parents were Macdonald Hastings, a journalist and war correspondent, and Anne Scott-James, sometime editor of Harper's Bazaar.
Hastings was educated at Charterhouse School and University College, Oxford, which he left after a year.After leaving Oxford University, Max Hastings became a foreign correspondent, and reported from more than sixty countries and eleven wars for BBC TV and the London Evening Standard.
Among his bestselling books Bomber Command won the Somerset Maugham Prize, and both Overlord and The Battle for the Falklands won the Yorkshire Post Book of the Year Prize.
After ten years as editor and then editor-in-chief of The Daily Telegraph, he became editor of the Evening Standard in 1996. He has won many awards for his journalism, including Journalist of The Year and What the Papers Say Reporter of the Year for his work in the South Atlantic in 1982, and Editor of the Year in 1988.
He stood down as editor of the Evening Standard in 2001 and was knighted in 2002. His monumental work of military history, Armageddon: The Battle for Germany 1944-1945 was published in 2005.
He is also a Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature.
Sir Max Hastings honoured with the $100,000 2012 Pritzker Military Library Literature Award for Lifetime Achievement in Military Writing.
Hastings was educated at Charterhouse School and University College, Oxford, which he left after a year.After leaving Oxford University, Max Hastings became a foreign correspondent, and reported from more than sixty countries and eleven wars for BBC TV and the London Evening Standard.
Among his bestselling books Bomber Command won the Somerset Maugham Prize, and both Overlord and The Battle for the Falklands won the Yorkshire Post Book of the Year Prize.
After ten years as editor and then editor-in-chief of The Daily Telegraph, he became editor of the Evening Standard in 1996. He has won many awards for his journalism, including Journalist of The Year and What the Papers Say Reporter of the Year for his work in the South Atlantic in 1982, and Editor of the Year in 1988.
He stood down as editor of the Evening Standard in 2001 and was knighted in 2002. His monumental work of military history, Armageddon: The Battle for Germany 1944-1945 was published in 2005.
He is also a Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature.
Sir Max Hastings honoured with the $100,000 2012 Pritzker Military Library Literature Award for Lifetime Achievement in Military Writing.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
August 5, 2015
Having done a bit of reading on World War II, I can say this: You can't go very far in the literature without running into the name "Max Hastings." And, usually, there's something approaching reverence in those mentions from other historians. But... (Warning: Shocking confession ahead.) I've never read "Armageddon." In fact, this was the FIRST Hastings' book I've read.
Now, when I obtained this book, I noticed a particular reader complain that the book seemed disjointed and rambling, especially when compared with his other works (none of which I've read yet). So, I didn't have that point of comparison; however, I think that LACK of familiarity with Hastings' other work freed me to enjoy the book for what it really was: An eminent contemporary historian-a titan in his field-share his favorite war stories.
Was it always clear why he had chosen this narrative over that or related this incident in detail while briefly summarizing another encounter? No. Was there some sort of easily-discernible progression? No.
But the book SUCCEEDS. Hastings wends his way through the history of modern warfare much the way a master gardener would pick a fresh bouquet for the dinner table. Variety is the source of beauty. It's the COLLAGE of stories as a whole that creates the book's impact and power.
And it shows us a historian with a heart. Hastings' is not a teller of events but an observer of people and I daresay a trained psychoanalyst couldn't do a finer job of exploring the psyche of the warrior and/or using such an exploration to delve into the highest values and dearest virtues that define human idealism.
A fine, fine read for both the student of history and the student of humanity.
Now, when I obtained this book, I noticed a particular reader complain that the book seemed disjointed and rambling, especially when compared with his other works (none of which I've read yet). So, I didn't have that point of comparison; however, I think that LACK of familiarity with Hastings' other work freed me to enjoy the book for what it really was: An eminent contemporary historian-a titan in his field-share his favorite war stories.
Was it always clear why he had chosen this narrative over that or related this incident in detail while briefly summarizing another encounter? No. Was there some sort of easily-discernible progression? No.
But the book SUCCEEDS. Hastings wends his way through the history of modern warfare much the way a master gardener would pick a fresh bouquet for the dinner table. Variety is the source of beauty. It's the COLLAGE of stories as a whole that creates the book's impact and power.
And it shows us a historian with a heart. Hastings' is not a teller of events but an observer of people and I daresay a trained psychoanalyst couldn't do a finer job of exploring the psyche of the warrior and/or using such an exploration to delve into the highest values and dearest virtues that define human idealism.
A fine, fine read for both the student of history and the student of humanity.
August 12, 2016
Max Hastings very clearly has a lot of respect for the military. In this unique book, he studies the lives of different soldiers, advisors, and resistance fighters from various points in history. He ranges from the Napoleonic Wars, the Civil War, the Zulu Wars, World Wars I and II, Korea, Viet Nam, and the Arab Isreali war. He studies these fighters lives, looking for points in common as he tells their stories.
I found this to be pretty interesting. He does manage to find several points in common with many of the people he profiled, including the over-done movie trope of the gung-ho soldier with little to no respect for his commanding officers if he thinks they're wrong. It was an interesting comparison. His deep love for those that risk their lives in their nation's service is very clear.
The few things I didn't like about it: I wish European writers would stop assuming everyone speaks/reads French. We don't. I'm not sure the Viet Nam story really fit with the others. And the book was very Brit-centric (hey, he's a Brit, fair enough) with a few phrases that I had to get from context.
An interesting study of war and more particularly the people who fight it.
I found this to be pretty interesting. He does manage to find several points in common with many of the people he profiled, including the over-done movie trope of the gung-ho soldier with little to no respect for his commanding officers if he thinks they're wrong. It was an interesting comparison. His deep love for those that risk their lives in their nation's service is very clear.
The few things I didn't like about it: I wish European writers would stop assuming everyone speaks/reads French. We don't. I'm not sure the Viet Nam story really fit with the others. And the book was very Brit-centric (hey, he's a Brit, fair enough) with a few phrases that I had to get from context.
An interesting study of war and more particularly the people who fight it.
June 20, 2020
this isn't Hastings' best book--check out Armageddon: The Battle for Germany, 1944-1945, Inferno: The World at War, 1939-1945, or Retribution: The Battle for Japan, 1944-45 for that, but it was an interesting exercise to compare and contrast profiles of warriors throughout the ages, which is what Hastings does in this book. inevitably, some stories are better than others, leaving a sense of competence and fluency rather than absolute immersion or splendidness. without a grand unifying war, however, there is less absorption on the part of the reader.
a 4/5, perhaps on the lower side. but Max Hastings remains the pre-eminent military historian of our day.
a 4/5, perhaps on the lower side. but Max Hastings remains the pre-eminent military historian of our day.
January 8, 2013
Pacifistům doporučuji alespoň, anebo spíš právě, přečíst si úvod.
-------citace-------
Thomas Jordan:
Svého Pána a námořníky ctíme
v časech nebezpečí, ne však dříve;
když nebezpečí pomine, oběma se odměníme:
na Boha zapomenem a námořníků si nevážíme.
V běžném civilním, mírovém životě jsou lidé mající zálibu v boji považováni v lepším případě za trapné figurky, v horším za nebezpečná individua. Bojovníci jsou v demokratických společnostech v časech míru nepopulární, jak několikrát poznamenal už Rudyard Kipling.
...slovo „hrdina”, které je v každém jazyce jedno z nejcennějších, prodělalo inflaci. Obdiv veřejnosti, jenž se dříve soustřeďoval na válečné hrdiny, se přesunul na sportovní hvězdy a celebrity mnohdy mizivého intelektu. Odvaha na bojišti se začala na Západě cenit stále méně. Zčásti je to naštěstí proto, že potřeba prokazovat ji ve válkách za národní přežití prostě zmizela. Pro budoucnost možná ale není příliš šťastné, že lidé 21. století se odklánějí od jakéhokoliv respektu k vojenským úspěchům.
Je jistě dobře, že obecné vnímání odvahy se již nesoustřeďuje hlavně na úspěchy v bitvě. Je však podivné, že média i veřejnost dnes nejsou s to rozlišit mezi obětí, která prodělá nějakou hroznou zkušenost, a hrdinou. Hrdina je přece ten, který vědomě riskuje nebo obětuje svůj život pro nějaký vyšší cíl.
Moderní islámský islámský sebevražedný atentátník si může být jist, že jeho akce by byla sklidila vřelý potlesk Západu, kdyby se byla odehrála před šedesáti lety v Evropě a byla namířena proti nacistickým okupantům. Velké množství vyznamenání, které Spojenci udělovali během obou světových válek, provázela fráze „bez ohledu na vlastní bezpečnost“.
I Američané někdy zapomínají, že ve válce v letech 1861-1865 měl jejich národ dvakrát více padlých než za druhé světové války v letech 1941-1945, kdy byl navíc počet obyvatel Spojených států podstatně větší.
Chardovi muži vypálili přibližně dvě stě ran na každou ručnici, což je na jednoranné pušky slušný výkon. V boji na krátkou vzdálenost, kdy ovšem masy nepřítele skýtaly snadný cíl, zasáhli obránci jednoho Zula na každých pětadvacet výstřelů, což je lepší průměr, než dosahovala pěchota ve válkách dvacátého století.
Naděje na přežití britského agenta v okupované Evropě byla dokonce větší, než vyhlídky příslušníka pěchoty. Z 560 vyslaných agentů jich zahynulo 133, což je jen o málo více než jeden z pěti.
... si John (Paul Vann) definitivně uvědomil, že on a jeho američtí kamarádi se pokoušejí vést válku, kterou mají vybojovat vládní vojáci se zakořeněnou nechutí k boji. V očích saigonského režimu armáda reprezentovala pouhý zdroj vnitřní moci a bohatství. Byla nástrojem, jenž posiloval systém všudypřítomné korupce, která zemi ovládala a byla zdrojem bohatství jejích vládců. Zatímco Spojené státy chtěly pomáhat Vietnamcům v boji proti komunismy, jihovietnamská armáda měla na tomto boji jen velmi malý zájem.
-------citace-------
Thomas Jordan:
Svého Pána a námořníky ctíme
v časech nebezpečí, ne však dříve;
když nebezpečí pomine, oběma se odměníme:
na Boha zapomenem a námořníků si nevážíme.
V běžném civilním, mírovém životě jsou lidé mající zálibu v boji považováni v lepším případě za trapné figurky, v horším za nebezpečná individua. Bojovníci jsou v demokratických společnostech v časech míru nepopulární, jak několikrát poznamenal už Rudyard Kipling.
...slovo „hrdina”, které je v každém jazyce jedno z nejcennějších, prodělalo inflaci. Obdiv veřejnosti, jenž se dříve soustřeďoval na válečné hrdiny, se přesunul na sportovní hvězdy a celebrity mnohdy mizivého intelektu. Odvaha na bojišti se začala na Západě cenit stále méně. Zčásti je to naštěstí proto, že potřeba prokazovat ji ve válkách za národní přežití prostě zmizela. Pro budoucnost možná ale není příliš šťastné, že lidé 21. století se odklánějí od jakéhokoliv respektu k vojenským úspěchům.
Je jistě dobře, že obecné vnímání odvahy se již nesoustřeďuje hlavně na úspěchy v bitvě. Je však podivné, že média i veřejnost dnes nejsou s to rozlišit mezi obětí, která prodělá nějakou hroznou zkušenost, a hrdinou. Hrdina je přece ten, který vědomě riskuje nebo obětuje svůj život pro nějaký vyšší cíl.
Moderní islámský islámský sebevražedný atentátník si může být jist, že jeho akce by byla sklidila vřelý potlesk Západu, kdyby se byla odehrála před šedesáti lety v Evropě a byla namířena proti nacistickým okupantům. Velké množství vyznamenání, které Spojenci udělovali během obou světových válek, provázela fráze „bez ohledu na vlastní bezpečnost“.
I Američané někdy zapomínají, že ve válce v letech 1861-1865 měl jejich národ dvakrát více padlých než za druhé světové války v letech 1941-1945, kdy byl navíc počet obyvatel Spojených států podstatně větší.
Chardovi muži vypálili přibližně dvě stě ran na každou ručnici, což je na jednoranné pušky slušný výkon. V boji na krátkou vzdálenost, kdy ovšem masy nepřítele skýtaly snadný cíl, zasáhli obránci jednoho Zula na každých pětadvacet výstřelů, což je lepší průměr, než dosahovala pěchota ve válkách dvacátého století.
Naděje na přežití britského agenta v okupované Evropě byla dokonce větší, než vyhlídky příslušníka pěchoty. Z 560 vyslaných agentů jich zahynulo 133, což je jen o málo více než jeden z pěti.
... si John (Paul Vann) definitivně uvědomil, že on a jeho američtí kamarádi se pokoušejí vést válku, kterou mají vybojovat vládní vojáci se zakořeněnou nechutí k boji. V očích saigonského režimu armáda reprezentovala pouhý zdroj vnitřní moci a bohatství. Byla nástrojem, jenž posiloval systém všudypřítomné korupce, která zemi ovládala a byla zdrojem bohatství jejích vládců. Zatímco Spojené státy chtěly pomáhat Vietnamcům v boji proti komunismy, jihovietnamská armáda měla na tomto boji jen velmi malý zájem.
January 16, 2021
Max Hastings tiene pinta de ser un señor muy conservador y de ideas algo rancias. Pero eso no quita para que sea un excelente divulgador y muy erudito en su materia, que es contar "batallitas". Además lo hace con con una capacidad crítica muy alejada de la hagiografía o el populismo sensacionalista.
En su recopilación de ejemplos de guerreros modernos (del S.XIX a nuestros días) no hay apenas momentos para glorificar a nadie, como podría esperarse, si no para relatar lo más fielmente las circunstancias de cada uno. En su mayoría, de los que destacaron en el campo de batalla por una u otra causa, se trata de personajes rotos desde la infancia con personalidades rayanas en lo psicótico (o muy dentro de ello). Los menos fueron personas que de repente se ven en un conflicto armado sin quererlo ni beberlo, pero que se descubren como perfectos soldados y estrategas.
Pocos sobrevivieron lo suficiente para disfrutar de una vida satisfactoria después de las guerras que libraron. Las secuelas de éstas o las propias de personalidades desequilibradas ayudan.
En cualquier caso Hastings analiza y detalla cada caso con un rigor histórico encomiable y una gran capacidad psicológica. Al final del libro la conclusión que se te queda en la cabeza es que todas las guerras apestan. Y los que las fomentan, más aún. Así que más que un libro sobre el encumbramiento de soldados héroes, es un alegato a la paz.
Y lo dejo ya, que tengo que seguir con mi guerra del momento. La batalla contra el hielo y la nieve, claro.
En su recopilación de ejemplos de guerreros modernos (del S.XIX a nuestros días) no hay apenas momentos para glorificar a nadie, como podría esperarse, si no para relatar lo más fielmente las circunstancias de cada uno. En su mayoría, de los que destacaron en el campo de batalla por una u otra causa, se trata de personajes rotos desde la infancia con personalidades rayanas en lo psicótico (o muy dentro de ello). Los menos fueron personas que de repente se ven en un conflicto armado sin quererlo ni beberlo, pero que se descubren como perfectos soldados y estrategas.
Pocos sobrevivieron lo suficiente para disfrutar de una vida satisfactoria después de las guerras que libraron. Las secuelas de éstas o las propias de personalidades desequilibradas ayudan.
En cualquier caso Hastings analiza y detalla cada caso con un rigor histórico encomiable y una gran capacidad psicológica. Al final del libro la conclusión que se te queda en la cabeza es que todas las guerras apestan. Y los que las fomentan, más aún. Así que más que un libro sobre el encumbramiento de soldados héroes, es un alegato a la paz.
Y lo dejo ya, que tengo que seguir con mi guerra del momento. La batalla contra el hielo y la nieve, claro.
January 10, 2024
Ofrece una vívida semblanza de hombres y mujeres míticos, héroes dignos de admiración. Estos valientes individuos entregaron todo, ya sea por su país, su ego, sus ideales o sus compañeros, dejando tras de sí un legado perdurable. El libro es tan cautivador que cada uno de los personajes descritos podría protagonizar su propia película.
Sin embargo, lo que distingue a este libro es su enfoque, que va más allá de simplemente retratar admirables hazañas. Max Hastings se sumerge en los pensamientos, los contextos y las motivaciones, revelando que no siempre fueron los más nobles o altruistas. A través de esta exploración, el autor logra presentar un retrato más completo y humano, lo que añade una capa de profundidad a la obra, captura algo de la esencia de estos individuos, presentándolos como seres humanos complejos y fascinantes.
Libro muy recomendable para aquellos que disfrutan de la literatura bélica.
Sin embargo, lo que distingue a este libro es su enfoque, que va más allá de simplemente retratar admirables hazañas. Max Hastings se sumerge en los pensamientos, los contextos y las motivaciones, revelando que no siempre fueron los más nobles o altruistas. A través de esta exploración, el autor logra presentar un retrato más completo y humano, lo que añade una capa de profundidad a la obra, captura algo de la esencia de estos individuos, presentándolos como seres humanos complejos y fascinantes.
Libro muy recomendable para aquellos que disfrutan de la literatura bélica.
February 14, 2021
Elegí "Guerreros" buscando un libro liviano que sirviera como entretenimiento entre las lecturas obligadas, pero la verdad que ni para eso resultó. Sabía que no me iba a encontrar con una investigación del calibre y calidad de su "Vietnam", pero bueno, tampoco creía que Hasting fuera capaz de bajar tanto la vara.
"Guerreros" es una compilación de historias de hombres (y una mujer, puesta ahí por presión del editor), no siempre soldados profesionales ni héroes homéricos, que combatieron en los principales conflictos desde las Guerras napoleónicas hasta la Guerra de los 6 días. Hasting no cree necesario encontrar un hilo conductor que le dé sentido al relato como un todo, eligiendo en cambio la recopilación de aventuras inconexas que comienzan y terminan en cada capítulo y que no siempre resultan atractivas o bien resueltas.
No esperaba mucho y aún así me voy decepcionado.
"Guerreros" es una compilación de historias de hombres (y una mujer, puesta ahí por presión del editor), no siempre soldados profesionales ni héroes homéricos, que combatieron en los principales conflictos desde las Guerras napoleónicas hasta la Guerra de los 6 días. Hasting no cree necesario encontrar un hilo conductor que le dé sentido al relato como un todo, eligiendo en cambio la recopilación de aventuras inconexas que comienzan y terminan en cada capítulo y que no siempre resultan atractivas o bien resueltas.
No esperaba mucho y aún así me voy decepcionado.
August 2, 2022
Hugely entertaining episodic text preseno in a storytelling tone. The choices of warriors was interesting and spread over many centuries although it is western centric. Not to be missed by military historians
July 11, 2024
Interesting collection of short bios making some interesting points
April 5, 2026
Warriors by Max Hastings is an engaging collection of short profiles that highlight individuals across different wars who distinguished themselves through acts of courage, leadership, and resilience. Each chapter offers a snapshot into the lives and actions of these figures, showcasing moments that set them apart in the chaos of conflict.
The strength of the book lies in its breadth. Hastings draws from a wide span of history, giving readers a quick yet informative look at how warfare—and the people within it—has evolved over time. The writing is clear and accessible, making it easy to move from one account to the next without feeling overwhelmed.
However, the very format that makes the book approachable also limits its impact. Because each story is condensed into a relatively brief account, it often feels more like a synopsis than a fully developed narrative. While enough detail is provided to understand why each individual is noteworthy, the stories rarely reach the emotional depth or immersive quality found in full-length war histories or biographies. As a result, the reader doesn’t quite experience the intensity, raw emotion, and complexity that are often associated with wartime storytelling.
That said, if you are already familiar with some of the individuals featured—or have read more comprehensive works about them—this book serves as a valuable companion. It helps place those figures within a broader context and can deepen your appreciation of their actions. For new readers, it works well as an introduction, potentially sparking interest to explore more detailed accounts of particular battles or personalities.
Overall, this is a solid and informative read for anyone looking to gain a general understanding of notable figures in wartime history. While it may not fully satisfy those seeking deeply immersive or emotionally gripping narratives, it succeeds in its aim to provide a broad overview and a starting point for further exploration.
Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
The strength of the book lies in its breadth. Hastings draws from a wide span of history, giving readers a quick yet informative look at how warfare—and the people within it—has evolved over time. The writing is clear and accessible, making it easy to move from one account to the next without feeling overwhelmed.
However, the very format that makes the book approachable also limits its impact. Because each story is condensed into a relatively brief account, it often feels more like a synopsis than a fully developed narrative. While enough detail is provided to understand why each individual is noteworthy, the stories rarely reach the emotional depth or immersive quality found in full-length war histories or biographies. As a result, the reader doesn’t quite experience the intensity, raw emotion, and complexity that are often associated with wartime storytelling.
That said, if you are already familiar with some of the individuals featured—or have read more comprehensive works about them—this book serves as a valuable companion. It helps place those figures within a broader context and can deepen your appreciation of their actions. For new readers, it works well as an introduction, potentially sparking interest to explore more detailed accounts of particular battles or personalities.
Overall, this is a solid and informative read for anyone looking to gain a general understanding of notable figures in wartime history. While it may not fully satisfy those seeking deeply immersive or emotionally gripping narratives, it succeeds in its aim to provide a broad overview and a starting point for further exploration.
Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
April 4, 2023
This is a collection of fifteen profiles, or essays if you like, on prominent fighting men of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, essentially concentrating on soldiers’ experiences on the battlefield. There is great variety in the men (and one woman) featured but all have demonstrated bravery and valor which makes for some stirring stories. The selection avoids many of the more well-known fighting men and is all the better for it. It’s a varied selection and provides the reader with a great starting point to read up on those who pique one’s interest.
The overriding theme is that of what makes someone a warrior and whilst it does highlight similarities between various individuals it fails to nail down a true commonality applying to all. Perhaps this is to be expected as the timescale and scope are so great, what makes a fighter a warrior surely changes over time as perceptions change. The other disappointing aspect is the profiles are essentially officers, either commissioned or enlisted men made up. I appreciate that the source documentation is skewed towards officers and awards are very much biased that way but the omission of the ordinary ranks is very much noticeable.
As one would expect from this author the writing is excellent and the research thorough. A good entertaining read albeit one with flaws.
The overriding theme is that of what makes someone a warrior and whilst it does highlight similarities between various individuals it fails to nail down a true commonality applying to all. Perhaps this is to be expected as the timescale and scope are so great, what makes a fighter a warrior surely changes over time as perceptions change. The other disappointing aspect is the profiles are essentially officers, either commissioned or enlisted men made up. I appreciate that the source documentation is skewed towards officers and awards are very much biased that way but the omission of the ordinary ranks is very much noticeable.
As one would expect from this author the writing is excellent and the research thorough. A good entertaining read albeit one with flaws.
June 6, 2023
Max Hastings is one of my favourite writers about war.He has an ability to bring out the impact on human beings of war .most of his books take a particular conflict and bring out a comprehensive analysis of the personalities involved and the reasons for the war.This book is different in that it provides a series of chapters covering different war leaders of differing nationalities ,and ranks drawn from a number of eras as in all Hastings books there is detailed research and no attempt is made to hide the fallibilities of many .While some of the personalities are well known a number were not familiar to me at all.Thanks to this book I learnt a lot
May 14, 2025
While an extremely engaging book, with stories of heroism that were new to me and often forgotten by today's age, the selection of personalities seemed extremely random. After reading the prologue, it seemed Hastings was going to focus on the warrior spirit throughout western culture over history. Yet, by the conclusion he seemed to have shifted to a more melancholy goal of sharing the sad plight of most warriors- something akin to: either dying too young, or living long enough to wish one had.
Great character studies from throughout history, it just appears Hastings didnt know what he wanted to do with this book.
Great character studies from throughout history, it just appears Hastings didnt know what he wanted to do with this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 26, 2019
Interesting read about the different lives of various enlisted personnel throughout history. Some stories had plenty of action while others talked about the romantic side of war. Along with the historical story of each person there were some life lessons to learn as well as how to carry oneself in a certain manner (don’t want to spoil anything). If you are lover of war and history books, this is for you. If you are looking for action and a story, maybe not so much.
November 11, 2019
If you are expecting the standard list of stories with heroes, sub machine gun in hand, storming enemy emplacements you will be disappointed. This is a far more interesting and eclectic mix of stories covering different time periods and different sorts of people. It is probably one of the most interesting and enjoyable military history books I have read, probably not for everyone, but it hit the right spot with me.
September 24, 2020
Surprisingly, the author fails to focus the reader’s mind or grip the reader’s attention.
High concept, promising subject material brought low by seemingly haphazard organisation and ultimately mediocre content.
Hastings does not do justice to his chosen topic. He certainly could do and has done, much better work.
High concept, promising subject material brought low by seemingly haphazard organisation and ultimately mediocre content.
Hastings does not do justice to his chosen topic. He certainly could do and has done, much better work.
August 7, 2022
An insight into the variety of people who seem to rise to glory amid the catastrophe of war.
An interesting selection of folk from across the world.certainly mind provoking and deeply sad in many cases. Max Hastings is not everyone’s right on historian but cannot be faulted in keeping you interested and page turning at round so many events.
An interesting selection of folk from across the world.certainly mind provoking and deeply sad in many cases. Max Hastings is not everyone’s right on historian but cannot be faulted in keeping you interested and page turning at round so many events.
April 4, 2023
A well researched book consisting of 15 profiles of men and women who have fought for their country. The book focuses on 19th and 20th century warriors with the introduction and foreword explaining his reasonings for this. There are some real eccentric characters in this book as you’d imagine as well as some popular movie myths busted wide open that some people may not be aware of.
October 18, 2024
I found it interesting to read stories about warriors told from a historical perspective but also with an look into the persons psyche and comparing the various warriors with each other. I liked that Harings chose warriors from nay different backgrounds and battles. It's clear the author know what he's talking about !
July 31, 2019
A well written survey of various soldiers in different contexts who served their respective countries, even if it is a little (as the author admits in the postscript) cavalier. Easily accessible yet sophisticated.
August 20, 2022
I thought this was very well done.
June 25, 2024
Some chapters good some pretty slow,not really what i was expecting with the title of the book and could have shortened the chapters and included more "warriors" to make the book a better read.
February 27, 2025
Vintage Hastings.
March 4, 2025
Excellent short biographies of soldiers, airmen and fighters from 1800 to 1973
August 12, 2025
loved it but the last book I will record on here
March 11, 2026
I really enjoyed this book. Hastings shares the stories of a number of military members from the 19th and 20th centuries. Each story is different but they give us important facets of war.
August 1, 2023
This is a whimsical and eclectic collection of biographical sketches, and the result is a very enjoyable and entertaining book. It is researched and written to Sir Max Hastings' usual high standard, complete with well-argued conclusions, direct and forceful opinions, and fairly blunt assessments of the character and abilities of the men he is writing about.
There is no unifying framework or theme that links the various chapters, and while some of his subjects have some common features, there is no single mould for the modern warrior. Some of these men, like Harry Smith or Frederic Manning, would be great dinner companions; others, like Guy Gibson or Audie Murphy, I would avoid like the plague. Some were men of impeccable character, like Joshua Chamberlain; others were rogues like John Paul Vann. For some, like Eddie Rickenbacker, success followed them through life; for others, like John Chard, their only achievement of note was on the battlefield.
As I hinted above, you are never left wondering what Max Hastings thinks about a particular topic or individual, and many of his positions are explored at greater length in his other books. Some of these continue to convince me, such as his understanding of the Vietnam War. Hastings is surely right to point out that America's tactical approach to the war (maximum firepower) was completely wrongheaded, and John Paul Vann's (initial) emphasis on equipping the ARVN and winning hearts and minds was likely to be a more fruitful approach to prosecuting the war. More fundamentally, however, and even Vann missed this, the lack of a credible South Vietnamese regime meant that any approach to waging the war was ultimately doomed to fail. This is an essential thread to a critical understanding of the reasons for the American failure in Indo-China, and to understanding more recent military interventions in Iraq and Afghanistan. Other opinions that he holds have aged much less well, such as his constant insistence that, pound for pound, the German infantryman was a more effective soldier than his British or American counterpart. I don't think this can survive critical scrutiny, and it fails to take account of either the Axis and Allies' wildly different approaches to waging the war, the political realities that each contended with, and the actual data on the performance of the soldiers in the field. For every example of German tactical brilliance, there is a counterexample of incompetence; for every example of stodgy Allied progress, there is an example of rapid manoeuvre and drive. Any differences between the performance of the Axis and the Allies are those of degree rather than of kind, and are all explainable when the wider cultural, political, technological and operational level considerations are taken into account. Statements such as his contention that if the Allies had had more Audie Murphy's the war would have ended months sooner just don't add up for me, and tip over into the realm of fantasy.
None of this takes away from the value and quality of this book, and even where I found myself disagreeing with his conclusions, I was still stimulated and entertained. The character portraits themselves are also all vivid and colourful, so if you are interested in the subject matter, this book is worthy of your time.
There is no unifying framework or theme that links the various chapters, and while some of his subjects have some common features, there is no single mould for the modern warrior. Some of these men, like Harry Smith or Frederic Manning, would be great dinner companions; others, like Guy Gibson or Audie Murphy, I would avoid like the plague. Some were men of impeccable character, like Joshua Chamberlain; others were rogues like John Paul Vann. For some, like Eddie Rickenbacker, success followed them through life; for others, like John Chard, their only achievement of note was on the battlefield.
As I hinted above, you are never left wondering what Max Hastings thinks about a particular topic or individual, and many of his positions are explored at greater length in his other books. Some of these continue to convince me, such as his understanding of the Vietnam War. Hastings is surely right to point out that America's tactical approach to the war (maximum firepower) was completely wrongheaded, and John Paul Vann's (initial) emphasis on equipping the ARVN and winning hearts and minds was likely to be a more fruitful approach to prosecuting the war. More fundamentally, however, and even Vann missed this, the lack of a credible South Vietnamese regime meant that any approach to waging the war was ultimately doomed to fail. This is an essential thread to a critical understanding of the reasons for the American failure in Indo-China, and to understanding more recent military interventions in Iraq and Afghanistan. Other opinions that he holds have aged much less well, such as his constant insistence that, pound for pound, the German infantryman was a more effective soldier than his British or American counterpart. I don't think this can survive critical scrutiny, and it fails to take account of either the Axis and Allies' wildly different approaches to waging the war, the political realities that each contended with, and the actual data on the performance of the soldiers in the field. For every example of German tactical brilliance, there is a counterexample of incompetence; for every example of stodgy Allied progress, there is an example of rapid manoeuvre and drive. Any differences between the performance of the Axis and the Allies are those of degree rather than of kind, and are all explainable when the wider cultural, political, technological and operational level considerations are taken into account. Statements such as his contention that if the Allies had had more Audie Murphy's the war would have ended months sooner just don't add up for me, and tip over into the realm of fantasy.
None of this takes away from the value and quality of this book, and even where I found myself disagreeing with his conclusions, I was still stimulated and entertained. The character portraits themselves are also all vivid and colourful, so if you are interested in the subject matter, this book is worthy of your time.
July 28, 2024
In Warriors, Max Hastings offers a captivating exploration of heroism by presenting vivid portraits of fourteen warriors from various backgrounds and conflicts, spanning from World War II to contemporary battles. Through these stories, Hastings examines the complexities of courage, honour, and the human spirit in the crucible of warfare.
Hastings excels at uncovering the nuances of each warrior's character, portraying them as deeply flawed yet extraordinary individuals. He challenges conventional notions of heroism by revealing how bravery often coexists with vulnerability and moral ambiguity. By exploring the motivations and personal struggles of these warriors, Hastings invites readers to reflect on the true cost of glory and the fine line between valour and folly.
However, the chapter on the Vietnam War feels somewhat out of place compared to the others. While it presents a compelling story, its tone and focus do not seamlessly align with the rest of the narratives, disrupting the book's overall cohesion.
Despite this, Hastings’ rich narrative style successfully juxtaposes the noble ideals of warfare with its stark realities. His analysis offers a fresh perspective on what it means to be a warrior, suggesting that heroism is as much about inner resilience as it is about physical prowess.
⭐ ⭐ ⭐ 1/2
Hastings excels at uncovering the nuances of each warrior's character, portraying them as deeply flawed yet extraordinary individuals. He challenges conventional notions of heroism by revealing how bravery often coexists with vulnerability and moral ambiguity. By exploring the motivations and personal struggles of these warriors, Hastings invites readers to reflect on the true cost of glory and the fine line between valour and folly.
However, the chapter on the Vietnam War feels somewhat out of place compared to the others. While it presents a compelling story, its tone and focus do not seamlessly align with the rest of the narratives, disrupting the book's overall cohesion.
Despite this, Hastings’ rich narrative style successfully juxtaposes the noble ideals of warfare with its stark realities. His analysis offers a fresh perspective on what it means to be a warrior, suggesting that heroism is as much about inner resilience as it is about physical prowess.
⭐ ⭐ ⭐ 1/2
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February 5, 2009English historian and journalist Max Hastings knows something of courage from his many years covering wars for the BBC. He is also accustomed to literary success: his books have been consistent award winners in the UK (where he was knighted in 2002), and his previous book, Armageddon (**** Mar/Apr 2005), was an acclaimed study of the final year of World War II. In Warriors his stated aim is to "amuse as much as inform," and reviewers report that he's up to the task. Though Warriors shouldn't be judged against his more scholarly work, reviewers still find plenty of thematic resonance in his balanced portraits of these 15 men-of-arms.
This is an excerpt from a review published in Bookmarks magazine.
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