A Short History of War

A Short History of War provides an accessible introduction to war, from ancient times to the present and into the future, exploring the causes, consequences, and future of warfare. It argues that weaponry has fundamentally impacted modes of war and that the future of warfare will be shaped by drones and robotics.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 272 pages
Publication date: 18 October 2022
Publisher: Yale University Press

“A Short History of War” is a captivating and accessible introduction to the complex and multifaceted phenomenon of war,spanning from ancient times to the present and even into the future. Written by renowned historian Jeremy Black, this concise yet comprehensive book comprises forty short chapters that provide a sweeping and often poignant exploration of war throughout history.

The author delves into the profound impact of warfare on various aspects of human society, including social, political, cultural, and religious dimensions. Through the telling of tales of wars past, present, and future, Black seeks to establish a shared understanding of the purpose and consequences of conflict.

In this engaging overview, Jeremy Black examines war as a global phenomenon, taking a comprehensive look at major wars throughout history, including the First and Second World Wars, as well as conflicts ranging from ancient civilizations such as Han China, Assyria, Imperial Rome, and Napoleonic France to modern-day conflicts like Vietnam and Afghanistan. Black also explores the broader significance of warfare and the lasting cultural understandings of conflict that shape societies across the world.

One of the central themes of the book is the profound impact of weaponry on the nature and conduct of war. Black argues that the development of weaponry has played a fundamental role in shaping the modes of warfare throughout history. From the invention of air power during the First World War to the transformation of naval warfare with the introduction of ships and submarines, weapons have continuously evolved and revolutionized the way wars are fought.

In the contemporary era, Black examines the challenges posed by twentieth-century weapons, particularly in the face of advancements in drone technology and robotics. He explores the potential implications of these technologies for the future of warfare, raising questions about the ethical and strategic considerations involved in their use.

“A Short History of War” is a valuable resource for anyone interested in understanding the complexities of war, its historical roots, and its potential future implications. With its engaging writing style and comprehensive coverage, the book provides a valuable entry point for students, scholars, and general readers alike.

In conclusion, “A Short History of War” is a captivating and accessible introduction to the complex and multifaceted phenomenon of war,spanning from ancient times to the present and even into the future. Written by renowned historian Jeremy Black, this concise yet comprehensive book provides a sweeping and often poignant exploration of war throughout history. Through the telling of tales of wars past, present, and future, Black seeks to establish a shared understanding of the purpose and consequences of conflict. By examining the profound impact of weaponry on the nature and conduct of war, Black also raises important questions about the future of warfare in the face of technological advancements. This book is a valuable resource for anyone interested in understanding the complexities of war and its potential implications for our world.

Dimension: 197 x 127 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780300267075