This is a broad ranging reader in the growing subject of War Studies. It includes respected contributors, with each chapter set out clearly and with contextual background. War Studies is an increasingly popular subject at degree, masters and doctorate level, as well as aspects of it being taught at A level. Here at last is a subject reader that will provide authoritative and thought provoking pieces of scholarship in an accessible form. Topics covered include Strategic Theory and the History of War (Daniel Moran), The Uses and Abuses of Clausewitz (Eric Alterman), Victory Misunderstood: what the Gulf War Tells Us About the Future of Conflict (Stephen Biddle), Early American Ways of War: 1600 - 1815 (John Shy) and Was the Civil War a Total War? (Mark Neeley). There is no accepted definition of War Studies for it is a particular blend of military history, international relations and contemporary security. Thus this reader purposefully gives broad coverage to the subject. Each topic is covered by one of two significant articles or book chapters with an introduction from the editor to provide context. There will also be a general introduction, explaining the growth and development of this area of study.

A collection of key essays in the field of War Studies with an authoritative introduction by one of the leading figures in the discipline.

About the Author
Gary Sheffield is Professor of War Studies at the University of Birmingham. He was previously based in the Department of War Studies, Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, and was Senior Lecturer in the Defence Studies Department of King's College, London.

Reviews
'War Studies Reader is an exceptional collection of articles by the top figures in the burgeoning field of the study of war...an indispensable introduction for students interested in coming to grips with the multi-faceted nature of the study of modern conflict...War Studies Reader is well-suited to spark debate and spur thought regarding a field of historical inquiry that is reaching its full maturity.' -- Andrew Wiest, Professor of History and Co-Director of the Center for the Study of War and Society, The University of Southern Mississippi, USA
'This reader collects articles which both cover the historical development of war studies and speak to current debates inside and outside the field. The breadth of subject matter and approach ensure that all readers will be stimulated to consider 'war studies' anew. The articles have plainly been selected to spark individual thought and group discussion, and the book promises to become an essential stepping stone on the path to understanding the complex phenomenon of war.' -- Dr Dan Todman, Senior Lecturer in History, Queen Mary, University of London, UK
'The essays are thought provoking with a good introduction, together with the original War Studies reader entitled War (1994) edited by Lawrence Freedman, it should prove very useful to students of War Studies Courses.' -- The Bulletin for the Military Historical Society
'This is an interesting and, on occasion, stimulating collection because it does not just contain essays on various aspects of the subject but papers looking at the field itself.' -- Contemporary Review



Book Information
ISBN 9780826420701
Author Professor Gary Sheffield
Format Paperback
Page Count 360
Imprint Continuum International Publishing Group Ltd.
Publisher Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
Weight(grams) 434g