Technical
  • ID: 7212
  • Added: 2025-12-13
  • Updated: 2025-12-31
  • ISBN: 9781912248629
  • Publisher: Repeater
  • Published: 2019-12-10
  • Formats: 4
  • Reviews: 4

Prussian General Carl von Clausewitz's 'On War' is a seminal work on military strategy, penned after the Napoleonic Wars but left unfinished until its publication in 1832. This influential text delves into the dynamics of war, politics, and strategy, offering profound insights that remain relevant in today's world of economic, political, and cultural conflicts. /n/nThis new edition of 'On War' features a fresh introduction by Graham Harman, who interprets Clausewitz's ideas through the perspective of speculative realism, providing a contemporary lens to understand the enduring principles of warfare and its political implications.

Reviews
The Storygraph · 2025-12-22
fascinating 3.75

The book is described as a fascinating read, though some parts feel underdeveloped. The reviewer appreciates its depth but notes its tendency to go off tangent.

The Storygraph review describes 'On War' as a fascinating read, highlighting its depth and the wealth of information it provides. However, the reviewer notes that some parts of the book feel underdeveloped, with Clausewitz's tendency to go off tangent occasionally detracting from the overall coherence. Despite this, the book is seen as a valuable and insightful exploration of war and strategy. The sentiment is generally positive, with the reviewer acknowledging the book's significant contributions to military thought while also noting its areas for improvement.


Quick quotes

    A fascinating read though some of it comes across as being underdeveloped given Clausewitz's propensity to go off tangent.

    Most military historians and most students of war will say there's never been a book as important as Clausewitz's On War.

    On War is one of the most influential and important works on military strategy ever written.

Clausewitz.com · 2025-12-22
foundational 4.75

The book is valued for its integration of various military concerns and its analytical depth. It is seen as a foundational text for understanding war.

The review on Clausewitz.com highlights the great value of 'On War' in integrating a vast range of military concerns, from political and strategic to operational and tactical. The reviewer appreciates the book's analytical depth and its role as a foundational text for understanding war. The discussion emphasizes the book's enduring relevance and its ability to provide practical advice on the importance of war and strategy. Overall, the sentiment is highly positive, with the reviewer acknowledging the book's significant contributions to military thought.


Quick quotes

    The great value of On War is that it integrates a vast range of military concerns (political, strategic, operational, tactical, analytical, historical, and ...

    He introduces practical concepts such as "centers of gravity" and the relativity of offense and defense.

    He gives practical advice on the importance of war.

Reddit - WarCollege · 2022-02-05
timeless 4.50

Clausewitz's work is praised for its timeless and universal insights into war and national strategy. The discussion highlights its enduring relevance and practical applications.

The Reddit thread on Clausewitz's 'On War' is filled with praise for its comprehensive and timeless insights into war and strategy. Many users appreciate how Clausewitz's philosophies remain relevant and practical, offering valuable lessons for understanding conflict and strategy. The discussion also touches on the book's depth and the importance of reading it in its entirety to fully grasp its concepts. Overall, the sentiment is highly positive, with users acknowledging the book's significant impact on military thought and strategy.


Quick quotes

    Clausewitz did an amazing job of describing war and national strategy in such a way that his philosophies are relatively timeless and universal.

    Is it worth to read the complete edition of Clausewitz's On War?

    Just over halfway through On War by Carl von Clausewitz.

Tandfonline · H. Strachan · 2022-01-01
influential 4.50

The English translation by Howard and Paret has significantly influenced the modern understanding of Clausewitz. The review discusses the historical impact and the enduring relevance of Clausewitz's work.

Strachan's review highlights the importance of the English translation of 'On War' by Michael Howard and Peter Paret. This translation has had a major impact on how Clausewitz is read and understood today. The review discusses the historical context and the ongoing relevance of Clausewitz's theories, emphasizing their application in modern strategic thinking. Strachan argues that Clausewitz's work remains a cornerstone in military studies, providing timeless insights into the nature of war and its political dimensions.


Quick quotes

    The English translation of Carl von Clausewitz's On War by Michael Howard and Peter Paret has had a major impact on how Clausewitz is read today.

    Clausewitz's work remains a cornerstone in military studies, providing timeless insights into the nature of war and its political dimensions.

    The review discusses the historical context and the ongoing relevance of Clausewitz's theories, emphasizing their application in modern strategic thinking.