This collection investigates the human condition of the soldier across centuries of warfare by compiling anecdotal evidence from barracks and battlefields. Max Hastings, a noted military historian and journalist, utilizes his extensive research into primary source materials and historical accounts to curate a record that balances the gravity of combat with the lighter, often eccentric realities of military service. The work argues that the essence of the soldier's experience remains consistent despite the evolution of technology and tactics.

Readers and historians frequently note that this anthology serves as a highly accessible entry point into the personal side of military history. Experts highlight the work for its effective curation of diverse voices, providing a humanizing counterpoint to more traditional, strategy-focused military texts.