Author Description

Books that are perfect to pop in your pocket now packaged to make the ideal gift!Five of the best-selling introductory books on war from the highly acclaimed iVery Short Introductions/i series packaged in a stylish case to make the ideal gift or way-in to the complex area of war and conflict throughout history.This boxed set gives a great introductory overview to the subject of war, from the strategy and philosophy of ancient warfare, the legacy of the French Revolution, and the impact of the Cold War.Ancient Warfare: A Very Short Introduction by Harry SidebottomISBN-10: 0-19-280470-7/ ISBN-13: 978-0-19-280470-9'This is a little book which is jam-packed with ideas and insights. This book offers an interesting and invigorating read.' TLSHarry Sidebottom explores the ways in which ancient society thought about conflict: Can a war be just? Why was siege warfare particularly bloody? What role did divine intervention play in the outcome of a battle?The Cold War: A Very Short Introduction by Robert J. McMahonISBN-10: 0-19-280178-3/ ISBN-13: 978-0-19-280178-4The massive disorder and economic ruin following the Second World War inevitably predetermined the scope and intensity of the Cold War. But why did it last so long? And what impact did it have on the United States, the Soviet Union, Europe, and the Third World?The Crusades: A Very Short Introduction by Christopher TyermanISBN-10: 0-19-280655-6/ ISBN-13: 978-0-19-280655-0'An excellent outline of current historical thinking' Sunday TimesWith customary flair and originality, Christopher Tyerman picks his way through the many debates to present a clear and lively discussion of the Crusades; bringing together issues of colonialism, cultural exchange, economic exploitation, and the relationship between past and present.The French Revolution: A Very Short Introduction by William DoyleISBN-10: 0-19-285396-1/ ISBN-13: 978-0-19-285396-7'[William Doyle] writes on the French Revolution with more understanding, balance and clarity than any other historian, living or dead.' Prof. Tim Blanning, University of CambridgeBeginning with a discussion of familiar images of the French Revolution, garnered from Dickens, Baroness Orczy, and Tolstoy, as well as the legends of 'let them eat cake', and tricolours, Doyle leads the reader to the realization that we are still living with developments and consequences of theFrench Revolution such as decimalization, and the whole ideology of human rights.The Spanish Civil War: A Very Short Introduction by Helen GrahamISBN-10: 0-19-280377-8/ ISBN-13: 978-0-19-280377-1'This is far and away the best short introduction to the Spanish Civil War that I have read in any language.' Professor Paul Preston, European Institute, London School of EconomicsAn ethical reflection on the war in the context of Europe's tumultuous twentieth century, highlighting why it has inspired some of the greatest writers of our time, and how it continues to resonate today in Britain, continental Europe, and beyond.Plus a copy of the new edition of A Very Short Introduction to Everything