The Past as Prologue: The Importance of History to the Military Profession 1st Edition

by Williamson Murray (Editor), Richard Hart Sinnreich (Editor)

23 ratings

ISBN-13: 978-0521619639

ISBN-10: 0521619637

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Exploring the usefulness of the study of history for contemporary military strategists, this volume illustrates the great importance of military history while simultaneously revealing the challenges of applying the past to the present. Essays from authors of diverse backgrounds--British and American, Civilian and Military--present an overwhelming argument for the necessity of the study of the past by today's military leaders in spite of these challenges. Part I examines the relationship between history and the military profession. Part II explores specific historical cases that reveal the repetitiveness of certain military problems.

Williamson Murray
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Editorial Reviews

Review

"Military historians and strategists will come away from this book with a stronger awareness of their responsibilities to assess continuities critically and to offer correctives to those who assert that technological innovation means the Western world has reached the end of traditional military history."
-P. Whitney Lackenbauer, St. Jerome's University, Canadian Journal of History

"The Past as Prologue...attempts to demonstrate the importance of understanding history. In fact it doesn't simply attempt, it succeeds...The Past as Prologue is a must-read by senior military and a should-read by senior policy makers."
-Lt Claude Berube, U.S. Navy Reserve, Proceedings

Book Description

This 2006 book explores the usefulness of the study of history for contemporary military strategists.

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Cambridge University Press; 1st edition (May 8, 2006)
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Paperback ‏ : ‎ 298 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0521619637
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0521619639
Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 14.5 ounces
Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6 x 0.75 x 9 inches

Best Sellers Rank: #959,532 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #248 in Military Sciences
- #790 in Military History (Books)
- #2,357 in Military Strategy History (Books)

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Good food for thought

Reviewed in the United States on June 13, 2006

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The editors of this book have put together an outstanding series of essays derived from a conference at the Royal Military College, Sandhurst, and later presented at the Marine Corps University, Quantico. The book's theme is stated in the subtitle; "The Importance of History to the Military Profession;" its view point is that the study of military history is critical for the military. There are two introductory chapters. The first, by Editor Williamson Murray, argues that only by studying military history can a soldier begin to understand war. Not that there aren't pitfalls and, "for history to be of any use, its very complexities demand skeptical inquiry rather than reliance on a smattering of inevitably oversimplified historical anecdotes." The second chapter, by eminent military historian Sir Michael Howard, argues that only military history can provide contextual understanding for many more conventional historians in explaining many issues, such as the impact of World War's I and II on society.

The rest of the book is divided into two sections; the first focuses on the relationship of military history to the military profession, and the second looks at historical cases that illustrate recurring military problems. The essays rely on academics and on military officers both of whom provide insight into history's role in understanding war. The authors include many familiar names such as LTG (R) Paul Van Riper, USMC, MG (R) Jonathan Bailey, British Army, John Gooch, Colin S. Gray, and the two editors themselves.

If you believe military history allows a better understanding of war, or if you just enjoy military history, this book will give you insight into the positive aspects of the field and its pitfalls - and there are many. At the same time, if you tend to believe today's problems are unique, read the book so that you can find the true path.

17 people found this helpful

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Nathan Albright

An Excellent Defense of The Value of Studying Military History For Military Professionals

Reviewed in the United States on October 3, 2008

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This book is an intriguing collection of essays from American and British civilian and military thinkers on the importance of history to the military profession. Included among this book's essays are thoughtful examinations of the relationship between military history and the history of war, British and American Marine views on he relevance of history to serving military professionals, the sometimes awkward relationship between history and the military education, the role of Thucydides as an educator, a subtle and excellent examination of Clausewitz's views on history and the future strategic world, as well s some intriguing case studies on the Victorian Royal Navy, the Russo-Japanese War, the British army's readiness between WWI and WWII, and terrorism. The closing essay of the book, a frightening examination of the gaps between history and the future of civil-military relations, gives plenty of food for thought in this well-thought out and relevant work.

5 people found this helpful

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David Southworth

Excellent Review of the Value of Military History

Reviewed in the United States on May 25, 2010

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This volume of essays edited by scholars Williamson Murray and Richard Sinnreich provides an excellent review of why and how military history in particular, and history in general, adds value to the professional development of those interested in or working in military and security issues. Covering general topics as well as specific campaigns the study of which would add greatly developing professionals, this volume covers all bases with regard to military history.

One person found this helpful

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Paul K. Van Riper

An important book for every serving military officer

Reviewed in the United States on December 13, 2013

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History has long been the "school of the soldier." This book spells out why that is the case and why history needs to continue to be the centerpiece of all professional military education.

2 people found this helpful

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Stephen M. Keating

Five Stars

Reviewed in the United States on March 23, 2015

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The book arrived in good condition

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Sérgio Oliveira

Excelent

Reviewed in the United States on January 12, 2013

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Ótima obra para quem deseja estudar uma linha de continuidade histórica na evolução da arte militar. Boa compra e bons estudos para os interessados.

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E. Jaksetic

Thoughtful, informative essays on value of military history

Reviewed in the United States on March 31, 2014

Written by a variety of scholars and current and former military officers, this collection of essays discusses the importance of studying military history to: (1) learn valuable lessons about past military successes and failures; (2) better understand some of the recurring problems in warfare throughout the ages; and (3) gain a historical perspective to better address present and future military developments. The essays strongly encourage military professionals to study history, and discuss various ways that the study of military history can help military professionals do their jobs and fulfill their professional obligations better. Given the long-standing tradition of civilian control of the military in the United States, these essays could also be helpful to elected officials and government officials and employees with any responsibility for civilian control or oversight of the military.

The essays are scholarly and technical in nature, and are written in a style intended for readers who are historians, military professionals, or serious students of military and political history. Readers with a casual or passing interest in military history probably would find this book too scholarly and technical.

2 people found this helpful

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Top reviews from other countries

Dr Barry Clayton

History for the Soldier

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on May 18, 2012

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Another impressive book edited by Williamson Murray, a Fellow of the Institute of Defense Analysis.
14 contributors from a wide spectrum of backgrounds spell out the need for military professionals to study war through the ages.
No other profession exercises its skills so infrequently as the military professional, hence the profession of arms MUST study history.
The 14 chapters include a typically brilliant one by Professor Michael Howard, and a thought provoking one by the editor.
This book ought to be on every soldier's reading list, and be read again and again.

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The Past as Prologue: The Importance of History to the Military Profession 1st Edition

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