Principles of War by General Carl von Clausewitz

The Most Important Principles for the Conduct of War

These principles, though the result of long thought and continuous study of the history of war, have none the less been drawn up hastily, and thus will not stand severe criticism in regard to form. In addition, only the most important subjects have been picked from a great number, since a certain brevity was necessary. These principles, therefore, will not so much give complete instruction to Your Royal Highness, as they will stimulate and serve as a guide for your own reflections. —Carl von Clausewitz

Translated, Edited, and Introduction by Hans W. Gatzke

"Not simply the greatest but the only truly great book on war," declared historian Bernard Brodie of Principles of War.

Written two centuries ago by a Prussian military thinker, this is the most frequently cited, the most controversial, and in many ways, the most modern book on warfare.

Author Carl von Clausewitz fought against the armies of the French Revolution and Napoleon, served as a high-ranking staff officer, and became a prominent military educator.

By his day, war had become a contest of mass armies, with results decided by swift, concentrated action and superior effort. "Victory is purchased by blood," Clausewitz proclaims, stating that total victory is assured only through annihilation of the enemy's forces.

Based on the author's "thought and observation, philosophy and experience," Principles of War examines the moral and psychological aspects of warfare, stressing the necessity of such qualities as courage, audacity, and self-sacrifice and the importance of morale and public opinion.

Clausewitz emphasizes the notion of strategy as an evolving plan, rather than a formula, a concept that makes this work adaptable to modern strategists in fields beyond military science.

Translated into virtually every major language, Principles of War is required reading in intermediate-level and senior military schools, as well as in many civilian strategic studies programs and business schools.

Principles of War | General Carl von Clausewitz

Publisher: The Military Service Publishing Company | Eighth Printing by The Telegraph Press, 1952

About the Author

Carl von Clausewitz: Prussian General

Carl Philipp Gottlieb von Clausewitz was a Prussian general and military theorist who stressed the "moral" and political aspects of waging war. His most notable work, Vom Kriege, though unfinished at his death, is considered a seminal treatise on military strategy and science.

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• Military Institutions of the Romans | Vegetius (Flavius Vegetius Renatus)
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• Frederick the Great: Instructions for his Generals | Frederick the Great
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