The Art of Maneuver: Maneuver Warfare Theory and Airland Battle [Paperback]

Robert Leonhard (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 1, 1994

Leonhard exposes as folly our view of war as an attritional phenomenon, measuring success in body counts and tons of explosives spent.

Product Details

• Paperback: 336 pages
• Publisher: Presidio Press; Reprint edition (June 1, 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0891415327
• ISBN-13: 978-0891415329
• Product Dimensions: 6 x 1 x 9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (26 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #269,270 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

28 of 28 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Great ideas, mediocre presentation, December 3, 2001

By 

John S. Cunningham (Las Vegas, nv United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Art of Maneuver: Maneuver Warfare Theory and Airland Battle (Paperback)

Robert Leonhard is one of America's greatest military theorists. Unfortunately his presentation of ideas is not as clear and concise as it might be. He has valid ideas but his dry writing style prevents them from being conveyed effectively. This book is not an easy read.

For similar concepts in a more readable format I would recommend "Warfighting" by Hayden, "Maneuver Warfare Anthology" by Hooker, or "Maneuver Warfare Handbook" by Lind. Only after you have read these books will you benefit from reading Leonhard's book.

See also Leonhards excellent "Principles of War for the Information Age" which is significant and important (but suffers many of the flaws of this book). I feel that book is a more visionary and unique work by this important authour.

16 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Outstanding contribution to military theory, January 19, 2001

By 

J. N. Mohlman (Barrington, RI USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Art of Maneuver: Maneuver Warfare Theory and Airland Battle (Paperback)

As a non-military person I approached this work with some trepidation, but within pages my fears were erased. This is a superbly written, well thought out book. Leonhard offers, step by step, the history of "maneuver" warfare, and explains how it has been ill applied in American arms. He goes on to provide a doctrine for it's application, and finally critiques the Army's performance in Panama and the Persian Gulf.

Leonhard's tactical sense is above reproach, and his explanations are offered in cogent, brief passages. This work is unique in my experience with military theory in that it is both easy to read, and important. Any serious student of military theory/history would do well to read this book to better understand both the past, and the future.

Oh, and if you pay careful attention, it just might improve your chess game as well...it did mine!

12 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Enlightening, Educational and a bloody good read., August 24, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: The Art of Maneuver: Maneuver Warfare Theory and Airland Battle (Paperback)

Instructors at various training institutions have been trying to educate me in the aspects of "Manouevre Warfare" for nearly ten years now, but it wasn't until I read this book that I began to understand it. The concepts and techniques that Mr Leonhard is trying to get across aren't new or original, as he implicitly states, but the genius he shows is in explaining it all so clearly and then applying it to modern situations. The style of writing was very easy to follow, and the book was, in the main, a joy to read. The more I read, the more the lights came on in my head.

While I couldn't say that I am now an expert on this approach to war (or even competent at it), understanding the principles behind it means I can begin to apply and practise them. This book is ideal reading for anyone in the senior lieutenant level, as a primer for the junior staff course(s) in your Army (Although instructors tend to preach manouvre and then practice attrition, it will still help you). It should be required reading for all officers who take their calling seriously, regardless of Corps. If nothing else, it will encourage debate, and that is always a healthy and desirable thing.

Highly recommended. I'm only sorry I can't get my own copy.