Intelligence in War. Knowledge of the Enemy from Napoleon to Al-Qaeda - Softcover

Keegan, John

3.66

1,750 ratings by Goodreads

9780091802295: Intelligence in War. Knowledge of the Enemy from Napoleon to Al-Qaeda

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0091802296 ISBN 13: 9780091802295

Publisher: Hutchinson, 2003

View all copies of this ISBN edition:

'No war can be conducted successfully without early and good intelligence,' wrote Marlborough, and from the earliest times commanders have sought knowledge of the enemy, his strengths and weaknesses, his dispositions and intentions. But how much effect, in the 'real time' of a battle or a campaign, can this knowledge have? In this magisterial new study, which will fascinate readers of both military and more general history, the author of "A History of Warfare" goes to the heart of a series of important conflicts to develop a powerful argument about intelligence in war. From the Napoleonic Wars to the sophisticated electronic warfare of the 21st century, John Keegan finds linking themes which lead to a compelling conclusion. His narrative sweep is enthralling, whether portraying the dilemmas of Nelson seeking Napoleon's fleet, Stonewall Jackson in the American Civil War, Bletchley as it seeks to crack Ultra during the Battle of the Atlantic, or the polymorphous intelligence issues of the contemporary flight against terrorism.

"synopsis" may belong to another edition of this title.

Review:

'authoritative and thoughtful study’.....‘stimulating and informed book’ -- Alan Judd, Daily Telegraph

‘A thought-provoking and timely work on a widely misunderstood and over hyped subject. -- John Crossland, Sunday Times

‘Important and highly revisionist book’ -- Andrew Roberts, Sunday Telegraph

‘Intelligence in War combines the lucid prose, perceptive judgments and narrative power that Keegan’s readers have come to expect.’ -- Christopher Andrew, The Times

‘This excellent and highly readable book is vintage Keegan.’ -- The Literary Review

About the Author:

John Keegan, who was knighted in the Millennium Honours List, is the Defence Editor of the Daily Telegraph and Britain's foremost military historian. The Reith Lecturer in 1998, he is the author of many bestselling books including The Face of Battle, The Mask of Command, The Second World War, A History of Warfare (awarded the Duff Cooper Prize) and The First World War, all published in Pimlico. John Keegan died in August 2012.

"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.