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	Reference	M0207
	Publisher	London, Hamish Hamilton
	Year	1985
	ISBN	0241115833
	Condition	VG/VG (?)

The total with shipping for this book within the UK would be £12.25.

1st edition hardback; large format, 288 pages. Fully illustrated in colour and black and white throughout, mostly photos.  Foreword by Frederick Forsyth.  A very good copy, no marks or damage, page edges beginning to show first hint of age browning.  Dj very good, minimal shelf wear.

Published both as a companion to the major BBC series Soldiers and as an important history of men in battle in its own right. 

John Keegan and Richard Holmes are eminently qualified to write such a book. At the time of writing Keegan was Senior Lecturer in War Studies at the RMA Sandhurst, with many other military books to his credit.  Richard Holmes was Deputy Head of War Studies at RMA Sandhurst, also with previous books on war to his name.

The book tells the story of warfare from the first clash of foot soldiers with primitive weapons to the present day automated electronic systems.  This includes the story of the cavalry revolution, the invention of gunpowder, the artillery, and military engineering.

The use of trench systems peaked during the 1st World War and was subsequently broken by the use of the tank and military aircraft.  The latter tactic was to have a significant effect on civilian populations in wartime.

The authors ultimately contend that whether regular or irregular soldiers,  the success of combat depends on the fighting spirit and motivation of the forces.  This in turn is the responsibility of the commanders;  their selection, training and character form a crucial aspect to a fascinating and accomplished study,

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