Customer Reviews

The John Boyd Roundtable: Debating Science, Strategy, and War

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I had the good fortune of receiving a review copy of this book, and after giving it a quick read, I come away impressed: This text demonstrates exactly the right way to approach John Boyd.

Some quick notes:

*Varied experts with extremely diverse backgrounds provide their takes on not so much the Boydian canon, so much as the roots thereof.

*You leave wanting to know more, about everything.

*It doesn't get hung up on military theory, but is Boydian in the full sense of the word.

*Should be included early in any type of program that wants to teach people how to think.

I've read a few things on Boyd, and was excited to see this book, thinking it would be an updated application and critique vis a vis Iraq and Afghanistan. Instead, this is mostly a series of articles praising Boyd, his long presentations, and the fine book Osinga has written about him. This book is not worth it at half the price. There is more information available for free on the web and wikipedia. And do check Osinga's work, its the best one to date.

If you're a Boyd admirer, then this book should be in your library. Folks from varying backgrounds (including the great Chet Richards) assess the meaning and impact of the Great John Boyd. The layout is interesting and informative and the reader gains a glimpse of a Boyd not included in Hammonds nor Corams great works (both very good books, with a tip toward Coram). A lot of "greats", eh? BOYD was perhaps THE most influential thinker on military strategy and thinking in the last century. This book will reveal even more of this very consequential man. Highest recommendation!!!