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

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1552632199 ISBN 13: 9781552632192

Synopsis

An essential book at a critical time, by the world?s leading military historian From the earliest times, military leaders have sought out information on the strengths and weaknesses of the enemy?the more detailed and specific, the better. The strategy of divide and conquer, usually based on regional intelligence, underlay many of the greatest exploits of empire building from Alexander the Great to modern times. In this magisterial new study, the author of A History of Warfare brings his brilliant ysis to bear on the role military intelligence played in key conflicts from the early nineteenth century to September 11, 2001. From the Napoleonic wars to the sophisticated electronic warfare of the 21st century, John Keegan finds linking themes that lead to a compelling conclusion: War is ultimately about doing, not thinking. In combat, force always counts more than foreknowledge. John Keegan?s narrative sweep is enthralling, whether portraying the dilemmas of Nelson seeking Napoleon?s fleet, Stonewall Jackson in the American Civil War, Bletchley seeking to crack Ultra during the Battle of the Atlantic, or the often-elusive intelligence issues of the contemporary fight against terrorism.(October 2003)

About this title

Review

Likely to jar the conventional wisdom. . . . Keegan is always a pleasure to read for his wit, insight and style. The New York Times Book Review
Bracing, meticulous case studies [by] our greatest modern military historian. Newsweek
Keegan is a . . . treasure. . . . His analysis is as sharp as ever, and it s all written with his characteristic flair. The Christian Science Monitor

Thought-provoking. . . . Keegan s book is a wise corrective, assessing just how useful intelligence has been in battle. The Dallas Morning News"

-Likely to jar the conventional wisdom. . . . Keegan is always a pleasure to read for his wit, insight and style.- -The New York Times Book Review
-Bracing, meticulous case studies [by] our greatest modern military historian.- -Newsweek
-Keegan is a . . . treasure. . . . His analysis is as sharp as ever, and it's all written with his characteristic flair.- -The Christian Science Monitor

-Thought-provoking. . . . Keegan's book is a wise corrective, assessing just how useful intelligence has been in battle.- -The Dallas Morning News

"Likely to jar the conventional wisdom. . . . Keegan is always a pleasure to read for his wit, insight and style." -The New York Times Book Review

"Bracing, meticulous case studies [by] our greatest modern military historian." -Newsweek

"Keegan is a . . . treasure. . . . His analysis is as sharp as ever, and it's all written with his characteristic flair." -The Christian Science Monitor

"Thought-provoking. . . . Keegan's book is a wise corrective, assessing just how useful intelligence has been in battle." -The Dallas Morning News

About the Author

John Keegan’s books include The First World War, The Battle for History, The Face of Battle, War and Our World, The Mask of Command, Fields of Battle and A History of Warfare. He is the defense editor of The Daily Telegraph (London). He lives in Wiltshire, England.
From the Hardcover edition.

Edition details

• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1552632199
• ISBN 13: 9781552632192
• Binding: Hardcover