Geoffrey Wawro recounts the story of this crucial European war, from its diplomatic origins to its pivotal battles. This is the first history of the Austro-Prussian War in more than thirty years, and the first ever to be based upon extensive research in the political and military archives of Austria, France, Germany, Italy, and England. Wawro has reconstructed the Austrian campaign, blow-by-blow, hour-by-hour. He divulges the secrets of Prussian military success, as well as the dismal, sometimes lurid reasons for Austria's military collapse and Italy's near collapse. The book is most notable for the light it sheds on the Habsburg war effort.

Some copies are the paperback edition (1997, 2007 printing).

Strategy and tactics in 1866 -- Origins of the Austro-Prussian War -- War plans and mobilization -- Italy declares war -- Custoza -- Podol, Vysokov, and Trautenau -- Munchengratz, Burkersdord, and Skcalice -- Jicin and Benedek's flight to Koniggratz -- Koniggratz; Benedek's stand in the "Bystrice pocket" -- Koniggratz; Moltke's envelopment -- Aftermath; the peace and Europe, 1866-1914.