Karl von Clausewitz is acknowledged to be one of the few truly great writers on war. Even though he wrote his only major work, On War, at a time when the range of firearms was fifty yards, much of what he had to say remains relevant today. Michael Howard explains Clausewitz's ideas in terms both of his experiences as a professional soldier in the Napoleonic Wars, and of the intellectual background of his time.

1Clausewitz in his time -- 2 Theory and practice in war -- 3 Ends and means in war -- 4 Limited and absolute war -- 5 The legacy of Clausewitz. Clausewitz in his time -- Theory and practice in war -- Ends and means in war -- Limited and absolute war -- The legacy of Clausewitz.