Classics of Famous Battles Must-Read for Future Military Strategists

Author: Xie Yongliang
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-05-01
Features: The most exciting and intense parts of war undoubtedly lie in the battles. This book selects 28 battles that have had the greatest impact on human history, some of which are full of twists and turns, while others are utterly miraculous. War is condensed in battles, and history is changed in battles. After battles, the fate of individuals varies: some ascend to heaven, while others descend into hell. This book adopts an objective perspective to analyze these life-and-death moments, exploring what lies behind success and where the reasons for failure lie? Napoleon once said, "The battles I commanded were merely replays of famous battles in history." From these battles, you will surely find the path to victory. "Although the world may be at peace, forgetting war is dangerous," and given the current unrest in the world, we must not forget war, nor can we neglect to study and research military matters. The safety and development of society depend on military strategists, those who aspire to the military profession and dream of becoming military strategists, as well as enthusiasts who are concerned about military development and willing to contribute to it. Studying and researching military matters, influenced by current high-tech warfare, people tend to overemphasize military technology. In fact, in addition to learning military technology, it is more important to study and research military history. We know that all renowned military strategists have conducted in-depth research on military history and, from a young age, have had their own idols among military figures and a strong interest in military tactics. When studying military history, there are three aspects of knowledge that cannot be ignored: famous military figures, decisive battles in famous wars, and the art of war, which is the essence of military tactics. Peter the Great of Russia, from a young age, aspired to become Alexander the Great, saying that he grew up imitating Alexander. Military strategists are those who engage in the special profession of war, and war places special demands on their character, will, knowledge, abilities, and psychological qualities. Although the paths of each military strategist differ greatly, the common requirements to become a military strategist are universal. The Glorious Generals Every Future Military Strategist Must Read selects 22 representative military strategists from around the world, analyzing the secrets of their success through their life experiences and personality traits. Perhaps you will discover: a small incident can change a person's life; a chance encounter can lead someone onto a grand stage; a moment of hesitation can ruin a lifetime of effort. So, what kind of character and courage are needed to reach the pinnacle of military strategy? From the 22 military strategists in the book, you will find enlightenment.
The most exciting and intense parts of war undoubtedly lie in the battles, which today are referred to as campaigns. A war is composed of one or several campaigns. According to incomplete statistics, there are over 10,000 wars recorded in history, and the number of campaigns is far greater than 10,000. Building on the research of predecessors, we have selected 28 campaigns that have had the greatest impact on human history. Some are full of twists and turns, while others are utterly miraculous. War is condensed in campaigns, and history is changed in campaigns. After campaigns, the fate of individuals varies: some ascend to heaven, while others descend into hell. Alexander the Great established an empire after the Battle of Gaugamela, while King Darius of Persia was left for dead on the road; after the Battle of Pharsalus, Caesar became a dictator, while Pompey fled his homeland and died in exile. A single victory turned William from an illegitimate child into an "emperor"; a single campaign turned Napoleon from an emperor into a prisoner. Beyond their historical impact, the consequences are even harder to estimate. The Glorious Campaigns Every Future Military Strategist Must Read adopts an objective perspective to analyze these life-and-death moments, exploring what lies behind success and where the reasons for failure lie? The "King of War" Napoleon once said, "The battles I commanded were merely replays of famous battles in history." From these campaigns, you will surely find the path to victory. Military tactics are the crystallization of human wisdom and the experience gained at great cost. A military strategist once said, "Before war begins, the outcome is already written in military tactics." In reality, the commonly used military tactics are not many; the key lies in their flexible application based on the situation. Germany and France fought three major wars in a hundred years: the Franco-Prussian War of 1870 and two World Wars, including German-French campaigns. In all three wars, Germany launched attacks on France from one direction, adhering to the principle of "concentrating forces and striking where least expected." Military tactics never go out of date, and their application always requires innovation. The Glorious Military Tactics Every Future Military Strategist Must Read discusses military tactics from this perspective, combining the ever-changing dynamics of the battlefield to apply unchanging truths to variable times and spaces, refining and developing the essence of military tactics! You will not only learn the rules of war but also the art of business, even interpersonal relationships. If you aspire to become a military strategist or are a military enthusiast, this series will not disappoint you.
Major General Yuan Dejin, Doctoral Supervisor of the Military Academy of Science, April 2005