On War

Carl von Clausewitz's On War is the most relevant attempt in Western history to deconstruct war, both in its internal dynamics and as an instrument of policy. The work has invigorated generations of soldiers, political leaders, and intellectuals since its publication in 1832. It is a comprehensive and methodical theory of war, which expanded to three volumes. Making a distinction between physical and moral aspects of war, Clausewitz deconstructs the classical issues of field combat, army formation, the relationship between battles and wars, the character of military leaders and troops, and so on. On War is an English translation of Von Kriege, originally written in German. Clausewitz died before the text came to the world, but his wife posthumously published the existing manuscripts. On War is considered to be a seminal treatise on the subject of war.