Great Captains Unveiled

By B.H. Liddell Hart

Book Overview

"A series of of characteristically provocative essays . . . told with Liddell Hart's unfailing verve and narrative sweep."--Max Hastings

Great Captains Unveiled incisively examines the brilliant military careers and intriguing personalities of six masters of the battlefield: Jenghiz Khan (1167?-1227) and Sabutai (1172?-1245), who led their Mongol cavalry into the heart of medieval Europe and shook the fabric of its civilization; the French Marechal de Saxe (1696-1750), one of the greatest generals of his age, a military prophet of rare foresight, and author of Reveries, a classic on the art of war; Gustavus Adolphus (1594-1632), the Swedish king during the Thirty Years War and the founder of the modern army, who emphasized officer education, national recruitment, and the combination of firepower and mobility; Wallenstein (1583-1634), champion of the Holy Roman Empire and Adolphus's formidable opponent, who proved to be a genius of maneuver and psychological warfare; and James Wolfe (1727-1759), whose flawless execution of one of the most daring amphibious operations in history virtually gave Canada to the British. Liddell Hart's penetrating, decisive studies of these great captains reveal not only their genius and impact, but offer relevant lessons that 20th-century military commanders have yet to fully reap.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 030680686X
• ISBN13: 9780306806865
• Release Date: March 1996
• Publisher: Grand Central Publishing
• Length: 292 Pages
• Weight: 0.96 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 5.4" x 8.5"

Customer Reviews

One of the greats of 20th century military thought

Wafare philosophy enthusiasts will love Liddell Hart's works. This classic work containing the seeds of blitzkrieg and maneuver warfare theory will resonate especially with those who admire those schools of thought. The first chapter on Jenghiz Khan and Sabutai is alone worth the price of the book. A brilliant piece of military history and theory that still resonates with thinkers today.

Excellent overview

Hart's "Great Captains Unveiled" is a great read: it is relatively short, not overly long on detail and interesting. The book does not fall into the trap of appeasing armchair generals, meaning that it skips fame in favor of true strategy and leadership. One might expect such a book to focus on Caesar, Alexander the Great, Napoleon, Marlborough, Washington or Patton. However, Hart instead examines less appreciated leaders, including Genghis Kahn, Marshal de Saxe, Gustavus Adolphus, Wallenstein, and Wolfe. I personally most enjoyed the chapter on Genghis Khan. Hart ignores the crude characterizations of and misinformation on Khan. For example, there was no "Mongol horde" that simply outnumbered its enemies, nor did the Christian west valiantly repel Khan's armies. Rather, Khan was typically outnumbered and he won due to innovative tactics and excellent operational control. Moreover, his armies retreated from Europe due to internal political issues. Khan was an innovator and a winner, something Hart focuses on. The other biographies are also compelling. Overall, this is a quick enjoyable read for those truly interested in great military leaders.

Get in to the minds of genius'!

This book is amazing. I really like this book. Because it explains not only strategical and tactical thoughts but also gives lessons about them. For example, Sabutay always leaded his armies in a security circle. He always believed the importance of the security. If you really investigate the maps in the books and listens to Sir Hart, you can understand that easily. Above all, you can apply these thoughts to your military, business or personal life. Without a doubt, Hart doesn't generalise that. Because he was a fascinating military theorist not a self-help or a business-self book writer. However, If you deeply thinks the book(when you are reading that), you can gain many skills and get in to the minds of genius'.

Not as Good as "Strategy," But Worthwhile In Its Own Right

Perhaps I was spoiled a bit by reading Liddell Hart's book "Strategy" before I read the "Great Captains Unveiled." "Strategy" is the work of a mature military polemicist and a master stylist. In "Great Captains," Liddell Hart hasn't reached the peak of his skill yet, but it is certainly an enjoyable and informative read nonetheless. In demonstrating the applicability of historical lessons to the modern art of war, Liddell Hart lays the groundwork for his theory of the indirect approach; i.e. never attack your opponent, or do anything in war, along the the line of natural expectation. This theory, so clear and explicit in "Strategy," in buried here. But one can see the kernels of the theory in the author's choices of generals to profile and battles to highlight.While certainly weak in the use of primary sources and complete perspective, as recognized in the foreword to the most recent edition, "Great Captains" is effective as an essay rather than straight history.

Fascinating Look at Little Known Leaders

In this fairly slim volume B.H. Liddell Hart covers the lives of five generals that most people have never heard of, even though these men shaped the course of history. Jenghiz Kahn, Marshal de Saxe, Gutavus Aldolphus, Wallenstein, and General Wolfe have never received the acclaim of Alexander, Caesar, or Washington, yet, the impact they had on their time was equally world-altering as those great captains. Hart does not go into great depth with any of these commanders, but he gives enough background to understand the times in which they formed their methods. This provides a base from which the reader can see how different these captains were from the mold. With each, Hart describes briefly their campaigns, but the majority of his writing is devoted to showing what each captain added to the art of war. Instead of extracting maxim's that provide and "formula" for winning, Hart indentifies one or two principles that each commander brought to warfare. He then shows how these principles were a departure for their times, and are still viable in the modern era, often referring to WW I. From a writing standpoint, the book can be slow at times, and difficult to follow. Also, Hart is writing for an audience he assumes has some knowledge of military history, as he often makes references to other wars and battles. This is not a book for a beginner. I suggest reading a general European or military history prior to delving into this fascinating yet complicated book.This is not a life story of great unknown warriors, nor a recipe book on how to win a war. Instead, Hart illuminates several dark corners of history, and demonstrates that these "forgotten" generals were true masters of war, and and modern student would be wise to learn their lessons well.