In addition to Sun Tzu’s Art of War, this book authored by Prussian officer Carl von Clausewitz is the quintessential classic book on military theory. The book (although this edition was only an abridged version) puts forward in detail theory for all elements of war, from politics to military leadership, from defence to attack. It cites examples from military history with a special favouritism towards Napoleon Bonaparte who, at the time of writing, had only recently wowed the world with his French imperial victories in the turmoil of post Revolution France. Frederick the Great is also regarded well as an able military leader. Sometimes it can be a little difficult to follow the rather lengthy minutae of some of Clausewitz’s theory. From my understanding of the book I would now view military defence to have a superior advantage against any attack. It seems that according to this German expert’s views that patience and correct preparation will ultimately favour a country defending its own territory, even against a more superior force. I did enjoy the historical details of famous figures in their battles, perhaps the most striking event was Napoleon’s mistaken advance to Moscow which ultimately led to the Grande Armée’s destruction. Obviously some of the strategic formulae from this work may be too antiquated for warfare in the modern world, however, I feel that even in hi-tech military action most of the general ideas developed here would still have much relevant application. I can see why Clausewitz is so highly regarded in military academy circles due to this great study of the rules of the conduct of war.