Instructions for His Generals (Dover Military History, Weapons, Armor) by Gen. Thomas R. Phillips


Instructions for His Generals (Dover Military History, Weapons, Armor)
Title : Instructions for His Generals (Dover Military History, Weapons, Armor)
Author :
Rating :
ISBN : 0486444031
ISBN-10 : 9780486444031
Language : English
Format Type : Paperback
Number of Pages : 112
Publication : First published August 10, 1748

The king of Prussia from 1740 to 1786, Frederick the Great ranks among eighteenth-century Europe's most enlightened rulers. In addition to abolishing serfdom in his domains and promoting religious tolerance, he was an ardent patron of the arts and an accomplished musician. "Diplomacy without arms," he observed, "is like music without instruments." Frederick's expertise at military matters is reflected in his successful defense of his territory during the Seven Years' War, in which he fought all the great powers of Europe. His brilliant theories on strategy, tactics, and discipline are all explained in this vital text.
"War is not an affair of chance," Frederick asserted, adding that "a great deal of knowledge, study, and meditation is necessary to conduct it well." In this book, he presents the fundamentals of warfare, discussing such timeless considerations as leadership qualities, the value of surprise, and ways to conquer an enemy who possesses superior forces. The soundness of his advice was endorsed by Napoleon himself, who once advised, "Read and re-read the campaigns of Alexander, Hannibal, Caesar . . . and Frederick. This is the only way to become a great captain and to master the secrets of the art of war."

Instructions for His Generals (Dover Military History, Weapons, Armor) Reviews

  • Rick Sam

    A Great book to understand Fredrick the Great and his thoughts.

    "Understand that the foundation of an army is the belly."

  • Steven

    This book while brief, was very good. I enjoyed reading the exact words of this 18th century icon. You really get a feel for the era during his explanations of the logic behind the when,where and how to invade Saxony. Also the constant need for control of his own army. Invaluable stuff.

  • Cosma Catalin

    a very good book for one who is interested in the history aspects and comparisons of different time periods. A brief overview of the 18th century warfare in the eyes of the greatest revolutionist of pre-modern warfare Frederick the Great ! One of my personal top 10 history personalities :D

  • R.

    Far better things out there in the genre. This is worth reading for someone who is doing a broad study of the field but given the choice between Frederick and Napoleon, or Frederick and Gustavus Adolphus, or Frederick and just about any of the Great Captains, I would pick someone else. That's just my opinion but I don't think that Frederick is one of the better ones to pick from, let alone try to make an entire study of like this.

  • Joe

    Direct from the mind of a military master. A how to set of institutions.

  • Jezreel J

    He who defends everything defends nothing