A Short History of War

An engaging, accessible introduction to war, from ancient times to the present and into the future.

"Forty short chapters . . . describe war from the ancient world to the present day. . . . A Short History of War offers an expansive and often evocative account of great causes that are never lost or won."
―Crawford Gribben, Wall Street Journal

Throughout history, warfare has transformed social, political, cultural, and religious aspects of our lives. We tell tales of wars―past, present, and future―to create and reinforce a common purpose.

Key Themes Explored in the Book:

• Global Perspective on War:
  Jeremy Black examines war as a global phenomenon, covering conflicts from the First and Second World Wars to those involving Han China, Assyria, Imperial Rome, Napoleonic France, Vietnam, and Afghanistan.
• Cultural Impact of Warfare:
  Black delves into the broader significance of warfare and how cultural understandings of conflict leave lasting consequences on societies worldwide.
• The Role of Weaponry:
  Weaponry, Black argues, has fundamentally shaped modes of war. It has:
  • Created war in the air
  • Transformed warfare at sea
• The Future of Warfare:
  As twentieth-century weapons are now challenged by drones and robotics, Black explores what lies ahead for the nature of warfare.

This overview provides a thought-provoking look at the evolution and implications of war, making it essential reading for anyone interested in history, culture, and the forces that shape our world.