87 pages • 2 hours read
Carl von ClausewitzOn War
Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 1832A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
On War by Carl von Clausewitz, edited and published posthumously by his wife, Marie von Brühl, explores various aspects of warfare across eight Books. The text discusses the nature of war, theory, strategy, combat, military forces, defense, offensive actions, and war planning. Clausewitz emphasizes the psychological elements of warfare, the interaction between tactics and strategy, and the necessity of real-life combat experience.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Various reviews of On War by Carl von Clausewitz demonstrate its profound impact on military theory and strategic studies. Critics praise its depth and comprehensive analysis of war, emphasizing its enduring relevance. However, some find its dense and complex prose challenging. Despite this, its intellectual rigor and insights make it an essential read for scholars.
Who Should Read On War?
A reader who enjoys On War by Carl von Clausewitz is likely a military strategist, historian, or political scientist with a deep interest in the theory and philosophy of warfare. Comparable works include Sun Tzu's The Art of War and Niccolò Machiavelli's The Prince, which also explore the complexities of strategy and tactics in leadership and conflict.