Xenophile Posted July 24, 2002 Share Posted July 24, 2002 This is the title of a book by John Keegan - military historian who lectures at Sandhurst Military College in the UK. I think it's excellent - most of his books are - and I'd like both to get other opinions on it and to recommend it to anyone who hasn't read anything by the author. It tries to give an idea of what combat involved in four eras, from Agincourt to the Somme; and what motivated the combatants (rather than concentrating on the commanders as most military histories do) to risk themselves in warfare in each period. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Commissar Posted July 24, 2002 Share Posted July 24, 2002 I enjoyed the book. Two out of the three battles covered (the Somme and Agincourt) I was not very familiar with and so it was great learning about them with Keegan's prose. The analysis and anecdotes Keegan presents were all very interesting. My only realy complaint (not really a complaint, more like an observation) was that Keegan is a bit of an anglophile and seems to deflate English casualties while inflating those of other nations. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Mike Posted July 24, 2002 Share Posted July 24, 2002 Keegan writes a good story (ie he writes well, not that he writes fiction when supposedly writnig history!!) and this book is no exception. It's a fascinating analysis of aspects of battle not often covered by other historians. Well worth the investment I made in it a few years ago - it still gets the occasional read. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WWB Posted July 24, 2002 Share Posted July 24, 2002 Damn fine read, and one of the fundamental military history books of our generation. It definded techniques for others to follow (Goldsworthy to name one) and brought genres to populations who never expected it. If you have not read it, read it now. It is worth the $9.95 and 2.5 hours by all means. WWB Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spanish Bombs Posted July 24, 2002 Share Posted July 24, 2002 I didn't think it was as good, but The Price of Admiralty deals with maritime subjects and is similar in design. Worth the read, certainly. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Michael Dorosh Posted July 24, 2002 Share Posted July 24, 2002 Face of Battle has been discussed several times here before; as far as social history goes, I can't think of a single book better. Keegan's ability to delve into the arcane and simple, yet completely essential matters, of a battle and give us a clearer view than centuries of paintings were able to do was quite astonishing. I'll never look at a movie or painting of cavalry charging square in the same way again. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PiggDogg Posted July 24, 2002 Share Posted July 24, 2002 I read "Face Of Battle" quite a few years ago. It is wonderful book that imparts great knowledge to all interested in warfare and in the psychology of the battlefield. Y'all should read the book. Cheers, Richard Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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