This highly informative work examines the techniques, technology, and theories of warfare from the "military revolution" of the seventeenth century to the present day. Expert contributors explore major developments and themes including the extraordinary achievements of Napoleon's armies; the role of nationalism in battlegrounds as various as the American Civil War and the former Yugoslavia; colonial wars; the concept and reality of "total war"; guerrilla warfare; and "people's wars".

Offering a comprehensive overview of military conflict over several centuries, this book consists of fascinating thematic chapters covering air and sea warfare, combat experience, technology, and even opposition to war. It is especially useful for anyone broadly curious about modern war.