Fighting by Minutes: Time and the Art of War [Hardcover]

Robert R. Leonhard (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 027594736X | ISBN-13: 978-0275947361 | Publication Date: July 30, 1994

This book argues that time is the primary dimension in modern war and explores the paradoxes of warfare's temporal characteristics. Leonhard introduces a bold new theory that focuses on time as the critical component that controls all other aspects of war. Well-grounded in history, Leonhard's work is certain "to take its place as a classic theory of war" according to James R. McDonough, who wrote the foreword.

Editorial Reviews

Review

“...the book will be valuable to all who are interested in the continuing evolution of military thought.”–Paper Wars

“...an important book: logical and systematic in its development, sophisticated, analytic, often subtle, frequently irreverent, and consistently mind expanding. Serious students of all levels of war past, present, or prospective future--and especially future--will learn much from it.”–Joint Force Quarterly

About the Author

ROBERT R. LEONHARD is currently assigned to the 2d Armored Division, Fort Hood, Texas.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 216 pages
• Publisher: Praeger Publishers (July 30, 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 027594736X
• ISBN-13: 978-0275947361
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.3 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #779,478 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This is required, mandatory reading!, July 25, 2000

By A Customer

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Fighting by Minutes: Time and the Art of War (Hardcover)

Probably Leonhard's finest and most intriguing work to date, this book follows in the footsteps of the superb Art of Maneuver. A must for any professional military leader. If the $59 price (Amazon isn't discounting this one) puts you off, save $15 and buy it for $44 from Barnes and Noble. Don't let the price keep you from buying, reading, and re-reading this book! Leonhard is one of the most visionary military theorists for the 21st century and this is his most impressive work thus far.

As an update to this review I wrote about a year ago, the book has now doubled in price, from a high $44-59 now to well over $100 (I've seen used copies in Fair condition going for $150). This is tragic since the skyrocketing prices will keep many from reading it simply to make a dealers more money. The original publisher probably sold out all remaining copies which are now being "scalped" like rare tickets. I hope Leonhard will sell the rights to another publisher who can print new copies and sell for a reasonable and accessible price so more can read this great work.

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fighting By Minutes: A Professionals Opinion, January 2, 1997

By A Customer

This review is from: Fighting by Minutes: Time and the Art of War (Hardcover)

FIGHTING BY MINUTES: Time and the Art of War ( LTC Robert Leonhard, (Praeger Publishers, 179 pages.) First the bad news...this book cost $55. This is unfortunate, it means that there will be a lot of money flowing out of professionals pockets at a high rate because this is THE premiere theoretical work of the past 40 years, and is destined to become a classic of this century. The author, LTC Robert Leonhard, is the US Army's most prolific and outspoken theoretician. His first book, _The Art of Maneuver_ established his reputation as an original thinker. It did, however, begin by following in some rather well established footprints. This book introduces not only an entirely new perspective about how we should think about war ~ it also provides us with the conceptual tools we will need to do this. The premise is deceptively simple: "The most effective way to perceive, interpret and plan military operations is in terms of time, rather than space." This, in and of itself ,is not a difficult concept for the average professional to grasp. Yet it is in his rigorous analysis of the implications of how a shift from a spatial to a temporal outlook might affect the conduct of war that LTC Leonhard truly breaks new ground. Introducing concepts such as "Leveraging Temporal Asymmetry" and using terms borrowed from physics (e.g. Operations within war have a "Frequency" and an "Amplitude") this is not an easy or light read. With almost every page the reader finds himself setting the book down, digesting what he has read, deciding weather he agrees or disagrees and actually THINKING about the finer nuances of our profession. This alone justifies the cost of the book. Despite his newly coined terminology, or perhaps because he uses "borrowed" concepts from other disciplines, LTC Leonhard's book allows the reader to open his mind to the potential new methods of executing war which he proposes. In the past LTC Leonhard has been accused of using history out of context as a justification for his theories. Yet in this book (which is NOT a history) his use of historical examples in support of his thesis rings true and helps greatly in his explanation of a new method of understanding warfare. Fighting By Minutes is expensive, no doubt about that. But it is important. To read this book is to think HARD about our profession. Casual soldiers and leaders should leave this on the shelf, professional warriors should go out and buy a copy today. Read it. Argue about it. Make notes in the margins. This book is destined to become a classic. Book review submitted by Captain Robert L. Bateman.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Time is of the Essence, September 2, 1997

By 

[e-mail] (Augusta, GA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Fighting by Minutes: Time and the Art of War (Hardcover)

Robert Leonard's masterful work, "Fighting by Minutes," takes the age-old problem of time and summarizes it into one of the most succinct and compact manuals available to date. Immensely readable and to the point, Leonard's comments go directly to the heart of the most crucial element in military command: mastering time. History is replete with examples of generals, captains and sergeants wasting that most precious commodity which one cannot buy back. Leonard tackles the issue head on, and is not afraid to ruffle some feathers among the Army brass. His discussion of frequency in warfare gives one pause to re-examine their own knowledge of military (and indeed political/diplomatic history) in light of the notions of low frequency and even very low frequency conflict. For those students of military history, a whole new vista of understanding comes to light regarding the strategic maneuvers and plans of generals past, and gives insight as to what to expect for the future. The price will initially make one flinch, especially once you receive it in the mail! (it is not very thick). However, it is well worth every penny. Absolutely must reading.... R.G. Rodgers, History teacher and former USArmy veteran.