"For nearly two centuries, On War, by Carl Phillip Gottfried von Clausewitz (1780-1831), has been the bible for statesmen and military professionals, strategists, theorists, and historians concerned about armed conflict. But, as Jon Sumida shows in this daring new look at Clausewitz's magnum opus, its full meaning has eluded most readers - until now." "Approaching Clausewitz's classic as if it were an encoded text, Sumida deciphers this cryptic masterwork and offers a more productive way of looking at the sources and evolution of its author's thought. Sumida argues that On War should be viewed as far more complete and coherent than has been supposed. Moreover, he challenges the notion that On War is an attempt to explain the nature of armed conflict through the formulation of abstract theories." "A major study of intellectual and military history, Sumida's book provides a provocative and above all readily comprehensible treatment of a previously inaccessible classic. It will surely become essential reading for all military professionals and serious students of military thought."--Jacket.

1. Theorists: Dismissal: Antoine Henri Jomini ; Advocacy: Julian Corbett ; Repudiation: Basil Liddell Hart -- 2. Scholars: Text: Raymond Aron ; Context: Peter Paret ; Method: W. B. Gallie -- 3. Antecedents and anticipations: Historical analysis ; Philosophical invention ; Scientific perspective -- 4. Imagining high command and defining strategic choice: Absolute war and genius ; History and theory ; Defense and Attack -- Conclusions -- Appendix 1. A pictorial representation of critical analysis -- Appendix 2. Bach's St. Matthew Passion as a model for critical analysis.