Most Helpful Customer Reviews
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6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Book That Every Diplomat, General, and Political Leader Needs, December 14, 2007
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
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5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Why strategy still matters, September 7, 2007
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.
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3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Must-Read, April 5, 2008
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)
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