The definitive history of warfare told by Britain's foremost military historian.John Keegan's masterpiece is a work of breath-taking scope that not only chronicles the history of warfare, but unearths lessons on the nature of humanity. Stretching across centuries and continents, from the Empire of Babylon to the Somme, A History of Warfare studies civilisations, psychology, archaeology, genetics, history and strategy with an expert's eye. John Keegan's unmissable and epic journey through military history has been widely acclaimed and remains vital reading today.

'He examines every branch of warfare in its history, psychology, metallurgy, genetics, logistics, archaeology, tactics and strategy-He is as much at home in the Empire of Babylon as he is on the Somme-On every subject he has something fresh to say. His learning is staggering and his gift for exposition unequalled.' Nigel Nicolson, Weekend Telegraph'Keegan's power as a writer derives from the fact that he does not see himself merely as a chronicler of battles, but as a student of the human condition. It is the breadth of his grasp of civilisation, as well as of the soldier's art, that makes this book so formidable.' Max Hastings, Evening Standard'A masterpiece-one of those rare books which could still be required reading in its field a hundred years from now.' New Yorker'Our finest military historian has produced a book of breathtaking scope-A tour de force.' Niall Ferguson, Daily Mail'The best book I read in 1993 was A History of Warfare-a dazzling display of historical pyrotechnics.' Paul Johnson, Books of the Year, Sunday Times'Magnificent' Sunday Telegraph