Customer Reviews

Fighting Talk: Forty Maxims on War, Peace, and Strategy (Praeger Security International)

5 star:		(6)
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3 star:		(1)
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Colin Gray's "Fighting Talk" is far more than a collection of maxims. It's a collection of 40 short, original essays each devoted to a specific aspect of strategy. Gray combines his masterful command of classic strategic theory (such as Thucydides, Sun Tzu and particularly Clausewitz)with clear writing to produce a book that is full of insights for both practicing strategists as well as students of international relations and security studies. Gray is at his best when discussing how strategy serves as the bridge between government policy and military action, making a convincing argument that a sound strategy can overcome weak tactics but the best tactics cannot correct an unsound strategy. Another of the book's strong points is Gray's explanations of Clausewitz's more well known theories such as the trinitarian model and friction. Gray makes these concepts understandable to readers who may have never heard of "On War", as well as providing insights for those who have studied the Prussian for years. The book's one weakness (which does not affect its five star rating), is Gray's neglect of the work of naval strategists, such as Julian Corbett. Gray does compensate for this by overtly stating that students of strategy who truly concentrate on the works of Thucydides, Sun Tzu and Clausewitz will receive a thorough education in their field. There is not much one can say to contradict this statement, beyond the fact that a specific study of the impact of sea power on strategy can only complement that which is learned through studying the masters recommended by Gray. I recommend this book without reservation to students; practicing strategists in government, business and the armed forces; and to those members of the citizenry wanting to make sense of what they view on CNN.

A first-rate book. If our national leaders had read this book it would have educated them on strategic matters and maybe kept this great nation out of the troubles it now faces. Unlike most books of maxims or principles, this one is extremely useful. Although the forty maxims in the book can be read in any order, it is best to start with the introduction and go maxim by maxim. I hope our next president has this book on his (or her) desk for reference every day he (or she) is in office.

Jim

Colin S. Gray's "Fighting Talk" is one of those rare books that must be read by anyone who wants to be an informed citizen, voter -- or human being. Approve of War or disapprove, we still have to understand this violent phenomenon that has dominated human history. In 40 concise, punchy essays Dr. Gray, the dean of contemporary strategic historians, explains strategy, military power and warfare, security and insecurity, and, finally, the history and future of War. When you are finished you will understand the nature and phenomenon of War better than 98 percent of Americans, including especially, regretfully, the resident of that large, white dwelling on Pennsylvania Avenue. LTCOL Terence J. Daly USAR(Ret)

It's all here, in a series of maxims, which Gray admits is a format abjured by the master, Clausewitz.
Instead of the silly and ahistorical pronunciamentos of some, you get a fantastic sweep of history, policy, strategy, and on and on. I wish that I could round up our ridiculous political class and force them to read this. I made earlier comments about West Pointers as engineers not strategists in most unflattering terms, which was wrong of me. But that ahistorical, technology-driven, stovepipe-thinking 'vision' must come from someplace. This is one of the correctives. Hope they read this on the Hudson!

One of the worlds foremost strategists, Colin Gray, explains 40 maxims in short (3-4 pages) essays. Read why 'War is always a gamble', 'People matter most' 'Logistics is the arbiter of strategic opportunity' and 'Friction is unavoidable, but need not be fatal'. Lucid, amusing and highly quotable, this book is highly recommended

The noted strategic historian Colin Gray, author of a number of books on military strategy, has produced a quick and excellent read on what he believes are the most important aspects to consider when thinking about military or national security strategy. Among the standouts for me: remember that these are humans making decisions; knowledge of history is important; peace and war are intimately linked.

This is a valuable book. I highly recommend it.

A treasure trove of strategic insights boiled down into 40 short chapters. Colin S. Gray seems to make a lot of sense. Simply excellent.