The John Boyd Roundtable: Debating Science, Strategy, and War [Paperback]

Mark Safranski (Editor), Thomas P.M. Barnett (Foreword)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 16, 2008

A collection of thought-provoking essays about the work of the late Colonel John Boyd, a fighter pilot who was one of the most influential figures in American military strategy in the last third of the Twentieth Century. This book had its origins in an online roundtable hosted at Chicago Boyz, a popular libertarian and conservative group blog founded by Jonathan Glewirtz. The roundtable attracted the participation of an impressive group of reviewers from the blogosphere and from scientific, academic and military fields. Authors whose essays are included in this book include Daniel H. Abbott, Shane Deichman, Adam Elkus, "Lexington Green," Frank Hoffman, Dr. Frans Osinga, Dr. Chet Richards, Thomas Wade, and Dr. Frans Osinga, author of the leading scholarly work on Boyd.

This book is essential reading for anyone interested in John Boyd and will provide important insights for anyone who is interested in military strategy and current affairs.

Product Details

• Paperback: 68 pages
• Publisher: Nimble Books (September 16, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1934840467
• ISBN-13: 978-1934840467
• Product Dimensions: 0.2 x 7.7 x 9.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #741,259 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

18 of 20 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars The Dialectic Engine is Alive and Well September 22, 2008

By Shlok Vaidya VINE™ VOICE

Format:Paperback

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.

12 of 14 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Nice Synthesis November 1, 2008

By J. Scott Shipman

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

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!!!

17 of 21 people found the following review helpful

1.0 out of 5 stars a disappointment April 25, 2009

By Lineman

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

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.