On War

Written by Carl Von Clausewitz

Narrated by Martyn Swain

On War was first published in 1832, at a time when muskets and cavalry were a dominating presence on the battlefield. Yet in the 21st century, it remains a much-valued and studied treatise on the subject - perhaps the most important European classic of its kind - and this despite the author's demise before he could finish what was an extended review of the whole subject of military strategy. Why is that? As Louise Willmot, lecturer in history, Open University, explains in her lucid introduction, because ‘it was the first to propose a comprehensive theory applicable to every stage of military history and practice'.

Vom Kriege, to give it its original German title, is in effect ‘a study of war in its entirety'. Carl Maria von Clausewitz (1780-1831) served in the Prussian army during the wars against Napoleonic France. He also served with the Russian army and then again in the Prussian army under Blücher during the final push against Napoleon. He was, in part, prompted to write On War following the initial successes of Napoleon. Clausewitz presents a simple definition of war as ‘an act of violence intended to compel our opponent to fulfil our will'. But he goes further to suggest two types of war: first, ‘absolute' war, which only ends in the complete victory of one side over another; there is no place for moderation. Second, ‘limited' war, which takes into account political realities: war is ‘simply the continuation of policy by other means'. Though not considering the moral issues of war, Clausewitz does advocate taking a rational objective in protecting the state and its interests. As a result, in war, military men should never be allowed to preside over the political purpose.

The decision to publish Clausewitz's text despite it being unfinished (he died unexpectedly of cholera at the age of 51) was taken by his widow, Marie von Clausewitz. On War contains the six complete books along with the substantial ‘sketches' for book VII and book VIII. The overall plan is as follows: book I, On the Nature of War; book II, On the Theory of War; book III, Of Strategy in General; book IV, The Combat; book V, Military Forces; book VI, Defence; Sketches for book VII, The Attack; Sketches for book VIII, Plan of War.

This Ukemi recording opens with the introduction by Louise Wilmot, lecturer in history, Open University, and continues with the preface by Marie von Clausewitz (read by Sarah Sherborne). The translation is by Colonel J. J. Graham, revised and with footnotes by Colonel F. N. Maude.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Ukemi Audiobooks from W. F. Howes Ltd
• Release date: Sep 15, 2021
• ISBN: 9781004134625

Carl Von Clausewitz

Carl von Clausewitz (1780-1831) was a Prussian military officer and military theorist. Born to a family of nobles from Upper Silesia, Clausewitz followed his father’s footsteps by entering military service as a lance-corporal at a young age. He served in several major conflicts throughout his life, including the Rhine Campaigns and the Napoleonic Wars, and eventually reached the rank of general. In 1801, he went to Berlin to enter the Kriegsakademie, where he studied philosophy and the history and tactics of warfare, research which would lead to his work On War (1832), a treatise on the moral, political, and social aspects of warfare. In 1810, he married the aristocrat and socialite Countess Marie von Brühl, a highly educated and driven woman who would oversee the posthumous publication of his most important work, On War, editing Clausewitz’s manuscript and writing the introduction. Clausewitz was a decorated and ambitious soldier and leader, serving both the Prussian and Imperial Russian Armies in campaigns throughout Europe, as well as spearheading efforts to contain the cholera outbreak that would eventually take his life. His theory of war is still studied by scholars and military officials today, and is noted for its philosophical outlook and definition of war as an extension of political policy.