The Allure of Battle: A History of How Wars Have Been Won and Lost
SKU: 10327626425

The Allure of Battle: A History of How Wars Have Been Won and Lost

Sale price$32.89 Regular price$36.54
Save 10%

Shipping Estimate
USA
  • USA
  • CAN

Ships within 48 hours · Estimated delivery Jul 9 - Jul 14

Promo Codes Available:

For Your Every Summer RSVP, with Code: SUMMER15

Description

The Allure of Battle: A History of How Wars Have Been Won and LostHistory has tended to measure war's winners and losers in terms of its major engagements, battles in which the result was so clear cut that they could be considered "decisive." Marathon, Cannae, Tours, Agincourt, Austerlitz, Sedan, Stalingrad all resonate in the literature of war and in our imaginations as tide turning. But were they? As Cathal J. Nolan demonstrates in this magisterial and sweeping work, victory in major wars usually has been

History has tended to measure war's winners and losers in terms of its major engagements, battles in which the result was so clear-cut that they could be considered "decisive." Marathon, Cannae, Tours, Agincourt, Austerlitz, Sedan, Stalingrad--all resonate in the literature of war and in our imaginations as tide-turning. But were they? As Cathal J. Nolan demonstrates in this magisterial and sweeping work, victory in major wars usually has been determined in other ways. Even the most legendarily lopsided of battles did not necessarily decide their outcomes. Nolan also challenges the hoary concept of the military "genius," even of the Great Captains--from Alexander to Frederick and Napoleon--mapping instead the decent into total war.

The Allure of Battle systematically recreates and analyzes the major campaigns among the Great Powers, from the Middle Ages through the 20th century, from the fall of Byzantium to the defeat of the Axis powers, tracing the illusion of "short-war thinking," the hope that victory might be swift and conflict brief. Such as almost never been the case. Even one-sided battles have mainly contributed to victory or defeat by accelerating erosion of the other side's defenses, resources, and will.

Massive conflicts, the so-called "people's wars," beginning with Napoleon and continuing until the end of World War II, have been more fundamentally determined by prolonged stalemate and attrition, wars in which the determining factor was not tactical but industrial.

Nolan's masterful book places battles squarely and mercilessly within the context of the wider conflict in which they took place. In the process it help corrects a distorted view of their role in war, replacing popular images of "decisive battles" with somber appreciation of the sacrifice and endurance necessary to victory. Accessible, provocative, exhaustive, and illuminating, The Allure of Battle will spark fresh debate about the history and conduct of warfare.


Binding Type: Hardcover
Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA
Published: 02/01/2017
ISBN: 9780195383782
Pages: 728
Weight: 2.56lbs
Size: 9.40h x 6.20w x 2.00d

Review Citations: Kirkus Reviews 01/15/2017 pg. 58
Choice 07/01/2017
Shipping Notes
  • Free Standard Shipping on $100+ Orders to the USA.
  • Except Preorder products are shipped in 48 hours.
  • Delivery to the USA:
  1. Standard Shipping : 3-10 business days
  • If time is of the essence, please consider selecting expedited delivery for faster service.
Exchange/Return Notes
  • We offer a 30-day return/exchange service after receiving.
  • Final sale items are not eligible for returns or exchanges.
  • To process your return/exchange, please contact us at [email protected]
  • Please click here for more details>>> Return & Exchange Policy
SKU: 10327626425

Discover Niche Categories That Outsell

Top-Converting Item to Boost Your Average Order

4.1 ★★★★★
Based on 1030 reviews
Sort
Highest Rating
Newest First
Oldest First
Product Reviews
A
Verified Purchase
Amazon Junkie
Lexington, US
★★★★★ 5
Great golf shirt!
Size: Small, Color: White/Light Blue Stripe
My son loves this shirt! It has silky smooth wrinkle-fabric and is nice and cool on the golf course. It is true to size, hangs well (no clinging) and allows full range of movement. It washes great! I wash and dry in the machine and stains come right out.
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on June 29, 2025
D
Verified Purchase
Dawn
San Leandro, US
★★★★★ 5
Beautiful colors, nice golf shirt
Size: XX-Large, Color: Aqua Blue Stripe
I always read reviews before I purchase and this golf shirt had positive ones. I ordered one so I could see the fit (true to size), and see how it laundered. Both are a thumbs up from me. Beautiful vibrant color, at a price comparable or less than what you might find in store. The SPF protection is a plus. I will be ordering more.
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on January 20, 2026
K
Verified Purchase
KentBaxter
Grantham, US
★★★★★ 3
Golf shirt
Size: Large, Color: Aqua Blue Stripe
I like the shirt is comfortable, but I thought the ad said three of them and Allie got one. Haven’t looked to see how much I paid for it.
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on September 10, 2025
F
Verified Purchase
Frequent Customer
Chelsea, US
★★★★★ 5
I like these fleece-lined pants
Color: Black, Size: 32W x 32L
For these specific pants, the 32" inseam is accurate and fits as expected. The fleece lining was great in high 40's and did not feel too warm when the temp climbed into the 60's. I was impressed enough to buy a second pair. They appear to be well made and look great.
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on February 10, 2026
K
Verified Purchase
Kevin Ervin
Houston, US
★★★★★ 5
Perfect. Warmth without bulk
Color: Grey, Size: 34W x 30L
Perfect thickness and insulation level. Warmth without bulk. Stylish and do a good job disguising what they are. Cut is similar to "regular" or "straight" cut jeans. Will be ordering other colors...
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on February 13, 2026

recommand products