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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
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★★★★★ 5
Great value for price. Cute, lightweight. Could be used anywhere.
Size: 3 Panel, Color: White
Nice, lightweight. Good value for price. It's exactly what I needed for my hallway to keep my cats separate from each other. I used two zip ties to eyescrews in door trim and it opens up perfect to wall. Warm air gets thru and cats can see out/in. But can't get under or over. It's perfect for my use!!!!
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Reviewed in the United States on October 23, 2025
★★★★★ 5
Great seller and really nice items!
Size: 6 Panel, Color: White
These room dividers are really lovely. They are great quality and just perfect for providing privacy in a sunroom while still allowing light in to keep the room sunny. I highly recommend.
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Reviewed in the United States on April 24, 2026
★★★★★ 5
Nice divider!
Size: 4 Panel, Color: White
I use this as a "barrier" to keep my cat out of the guest room. I don't have to close the door anymore because the divider allows light and air through. Adds a nice touch to the decor, as well. Very lightweight and serves its purpose.
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Reviewed in the United States on January 3, 2026
★★★★★ 4
Good Room Divider
Size: 4 Panel, Color: White
This room divider worked great to mask my "utility area" in my living room because I'm low on storage space. It's functional and pleasing to the eye, but the quality could be better as there were pieces of debris on the unit and fraying strings. It also can tip over if not positioned just right. I do like the versatility of it though because even though it's a four panel I can fold in one of the panels and use the other three. Overall I like it, the price could be lower based on the quality but its good.
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Reviewed in the United States on September 30, 2025
★★★★★ 5
Love my purchase
Size: 4 Panel, Color: Brown
Love my purchase, very beautiful and sturdy
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Reviewed in the United States on May 3, 2026