The Art of War

by Niccolò Machiavelli

Book Overview

The classic Renaissance study of military combat.

In medieval warfare, such seemingly elementary conventions as army organization, staff services, hierarchy of command, and codes of military law were nonexistent. Niccolo Machiavelli changed all that. Among other improvements, he instituted the systemic concept of troop formation and proclaimed discipline to be of supreme importance. War was war, he believed, and victory the primary...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 030681076X
• ISBN13: 9780306810763
• Release Date: September 2001
• Publisher: Da Capo
• Length: 336 Pages
• Weight: 0.87 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 5.4" x 8.0"

Customer Reviews

A job well done

This translation of Machiavelli's Art of War is a job well done. If you are interested in studying Machiavelli's work then you should certainly pick up this book.

An interesting novel

I like this book, even though, at times it was difficult for me to follow. I like the translation. I have read other translated books where I find it difficult to read the book. First, I want to say that this is the first military instruction book I have read, and second, that I read this book to find out how people fought before there were weapons of mass destruction. Therefore, I thought this book was an excellent tool in describing ancient military tactics. But even if you aren't interested in military tactics as much, this book was also interesting because I enjoy history. I thought it was going to describe how to march, train, and fight, which it did, but it also made numerous references to the actions of past military leaders. I enjoyed reading about the successes and failures of people whose names I recognized from history class. Additionally, I enjoyed the style. Niccolo uses a different style of writing then American authors, and on occasion I like to read something different. It is a good book that I would recommend to anyone who enjoys learning about history.

Detailed & Stirring Instructional On The Great Art.

Macchiavelli is in his brilliant & compelling best in this admirably written book on military matters & affairs.In a no-nonsense,direct,military approach he narrates his martial dictums from a conversational setting,highlighting on all aspects of warfare:tactics,strategy,proper rulership & the convincingly argued relation between politics & war.The author of The Prince is in complete command in this indispensable book for military enthusiasts & students alike.The great man instructs & informs much clearly & more comprehensively than a lot of the supposed reputable military historians glutted in the market.

It was fantastic read definately worth the time!

This book is brilliantly written by a brilliant man. He (Machiavelli) proves that politics and war go hand in hand. It is an extremely tactical book and reccomend that once you have read it, read it again.