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The Lessons of Terror: A History of Warfare Against Civilians Paperback – March 11, 2003

by Caleb Carr (Author)
3.9 3.9 out of 5 stars 68 ratings
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Military historian Caleb Carr’s groundbreaking work anticipated America’s current debates on preemptive military action against terrorist sponsor states, reorganization of the American intelligence system, and the treatment of terrorists as soldiers in supranational armies rather than as criminals. Carr’s authoritative exploration demonstrates that the practice of terrorism, employed by national armies as well as extremists since the days of ancient Rome, is ultimately self-defeating. Far from prompting submission, it stiffens enemy resolve and never leads to long-lasting success.

Controversial on its initial publication in 2002, The Lessons of Terror has been repeatedly validated by subsequent events. Carr’s analysis of individual terrorist acts, and particularly of the history of the Middle East conflict, is fundamental to a deep understanding of the roots of terrorism as well as the steps and reforms that must be taken if the continuing threat of terrorist behavior is to be met effectively today and, finally, eradicated tomorrow.
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  1. Print length
    302 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    Random House Trade Paperbacks
  4. Publication date
    March 11, 2003
  5. Dimensions
    5.3 x 0.7 x 8 inches
  6. ISBN-10
    0375760741
  7. ISBN-13
    978-0375760747
  8. See all details
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Customer reviews

3.9 out of 5 stars
68 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book insightful and interesting, providing excellent information about history. They consider it a great read and well worth their time.

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6 customers mention "Insight"6 positive0 negative

Customers find the book insightful and interesting. They appreciate the excellent information and historical data compiled into one book. The book provides ample evidence of Rome's use of terror.

"...Rather he explores some very interesting and rather obscure parts of history, including Rome's uses of terror, warfare in the 1500s, and Sherman's..." Read more

"...The early sections on the tactics of the Roman Empire were quite revealing, particularly given the parallels with modern practice...." Read more

"...I was not disappointed. Carr's timely treatise on terror was very insightful and provides ample evidence that terror tactics have exactly the..." Read more

"...While to his merit he brings up many interesting and valid historical events and the rise of modern limited war; his inability to inhibit his..." Read more

6 customers mention "Value for time"6 positive0 negative

Customers find the book interesting and worth their time. However, some readers feel it's not as good as other books.

"Despite the critism, this is a good book. I bought it after seeing him speak on CSPAN...." Read more

"...Well worth the time." Read more

"There are many, many extraordinary books. This doesn't make the top echelon...." Read more

"A book everyone should read. In our lifetime, terrorism has become a very important influence on our society...." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • John Dresty
    5.0 out of 5 stars More than worth reading if you are interested in politics of historical warfare
    Reviewed in the United States on April 26, 2011
    Verified Purchase
    Despite the critism, this is a good book. I bought it after seeing him speak on CSPAN. It is post 9/11 so it does address that but our recent bought with islamic terrorism is not the main emphasis. Rather he explores some very interesting and rather obscure parts of history, including Rome's uses of terror, warfare in the 1500s, and Sherman's March. While I am sure people can stress their mind to prove that some form of terrorism can work (such as the other critic's example of Hiroshima), Carr's main point is nonetheless very compelling. It should probably apply to any "hearts and minds" strategy now in Afganistan or Iraq, as well as applicable lessons in Israel/Palestine. You may not agree with his conclusions (though I do), but it is informative.
    4 people found this helpful
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  • Bufford D. Moore
    4.0 out of 5 stars A thoughtful presentation, should be read by everyone
    Reviewed in the United States on October 22, 2003
    Verified Purchase
    This book, by a trained miliatry historian, lays out a case for the avoidance of terror against civilian populations. It then goes on to define terror in ways I had never considered.
    Particularly disturbing are several discussions about the consistency with which indiginous military trained by an outside invader turn on that selfsame invader after the invasion is over. ( Sound familiar? Mujahadeen anyone?)
    The early sections on the tactics of the Roman Empire were quite revealing, particularly given the parallels with modern practice.
    Well worth the time.
    8 people found this helpful
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  • Richard G. Ghiselin
    5.0 out of 5 stars Lessons learned!
    Reviewed in the United States on April 27, 2011
    Verified Purchase
    Long a Caleb Carr fan, I bought "The Lesson of Terror" for my Kindle reader, figuring that Carr's ability to hold me spellbound with his fictional suspense thrillers would get a real test with this non-fiction book.

    I was not disappointed. Carr's timely treatise on terror was very insightful and provides ample evidence that terror tactics have exactly the opposite effect than intended. Instead of terrorizing the populace into a state of paralysis and fear, they actually strengthen people's determination to fight. It's an interesting conclusion that despite ample evidence presented by the author starting before the birth of Christ, groups of people continue to resort to terror tactics, even though they have never, ever, worked.

    Most interesting was the chapter on Oliver Cromwell who, although he brilliantly led the Reformation in England, abandoned his hard-won principles when he tried to deal with the Welsh and the Irish. In hindsight, it's fairly clear that the recent "troubles" in Northern Ireland can be traced back to Cromwell's ill-advised reign of terror.

    With so many excellent examples, many of which have played out in my own lifetime, Carr's treatise of terror kept my attention throughout the reading of his book. Clearly Carr's vocation as a distinguished Professor of History is well-represented in "The Lessons of Terror" even though I came across the book as a fan encouraged by his equally excellent works of fiction.

    Don't buy this book if you're looking for a murder mystery. Buy it as I did, if you respect the author's work and want to read a real-life thriller that is going on at several places in our world every day. And as you read, try to answer Carr's unasked question, "What do YOU think we should do about terror?"
    3 people found this helpful
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  • Peef33
    3.0 out of 5 stars For military historians
    Reviewed in the United States on November 17, 2024
    Could not stick with it, seems to be hawkish
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  • blueladyjames
    1.0 out of 5 stars Awful.
    Reviewed in the United States on December 31, 2011
    Verified Purchase
    I bought this book because I have so enjoyed Mr. Carr's other books and had high hopes that this one would be as good. It's not. Not even close. I had to stop reading the introduction as it reads like some sort of angry scream that goes on far too long. Not to mention his glorification of Dick Cheney as a top military strategist. Seriously? I fought my way through the rest of the book but am still wondering why it's such a rag-tag disaster. The whole book is an angry mess. Please don't spend any money on it. Or if you have to have it you can buy my copy at a used book store.
    4 people found this helpful
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  • Gerald Tieman
    4.0 out of 5 stars Excellent.
    Reviewed in the United States on August 15, 2013
    Verified Purchase
    There are many, many extraordinary books. This doesn't make the top echelon. However, I learned a lot from it - information that was at times disheartening, but needed. I certainly recommend it.
    2 people found this helpful
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  • Avid Reader
    5.0 out of 5 stars A definition, history and sollution to today's terrorism.
    Reviewed in the United States on July 28, 2014
    Verified Purchase
    When walking into a new school/dojo of a new professor/sensei, one needs to set aside one's catalog of lessons. As Bruce Lee had said, you need to empty the glass and approach the new studies with a clear vessel. This does not mean totally eliminate what you have learned previously, but be receptive to the new material. Caleb Carr's The Lessons of Terror will challenge your preconceived perceptions of terrorism and a perspective of history, unique, jarring, well supported and paramount to the current active climate of terror in the world. There are many lessons to learn and I can only wish our governing powers would adopt Mr. Carr's suggestions. Yes, it is controvercial, but we need leadership today, not soft treading politicians. Leaders are not afraid to take difficult, sometimes unpopular actions. I highly recommend The Lessons of Terror. Without historical perspective and a vision for action, we really don't understand the scope of today's terrorism.
    4 people found this helpful
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  • A W
    5.0 out of 5 stars History of terror
    Reviewed in the United States on November 13, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    I read this book several years ago & will be reading it again. It was an eye opener from Caleb Carr about exactly how terrorism has evolved & how it works against governments by inflicting itself on civilian populations.
    One person found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

  • MRS J SOANES
    5.0 out of 5 stars great book for warfare studies
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 5, 2013
    Verified Purchase
    really interesting polemical book/author. He has some interesting perspectives to offer on the barbarisation of war. IWell written despite American authordhip.
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  • sadaf
    4.0 out of 5 stars author tried to stay neutral best as he could but obviously he had a specific ...
    Reviewed in Canada on May 21, 2016
    Verified Purchase
    Very informative, author tried to stay neutral best as he could but obviously he had a specific audience in mind for this book. Would recommend- telling history and placing it in modern day context to relevant issues and doing it through powerful story telling.
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