Strategy before Clausewitz : linking warfare and statecraft, 1400-1830 / Beatrice Heuser.

Includes bibliographical references (pages 208-226) and index.

"This collection of essays combines historical research with cutting-edge analysis and makes a significant contribution to the study of the history of strategic thinking. Among leading writers of strategy, there is a debate as to whether strategy in its modern definition existed before Clausewitz or even the early 20th century. The case studies featured in this book show that strategic thinking did indeed exist before the last century, even if there was no commonly agreed word for it. The volume uses a variety of approaches. Firstly, it explores case studies which assess the strategic thinking of three monarchs whose biographers have claimed to have identified strategic thinking in their warfare: Edward III of England, Philip II of Spain, and Louis XIV of France. The book then analyses a number of famous strategic thinkers and practitioners, including Christine de Pizan, Lazarus Schwendi, Matthew Sutcliffe, Raimondo Montecuccoli, and Count Guibert. This work combines in-depth historical documentary research with strategic studies analysis. The chapters illustrate that it is language and at times conceptualisation, more than social, economic and political (let alone mental or educational), limitations that differentiate us from our forbearers. This book will be of great interest to students of strategic history and theory, military history and IR in general."--Providee by publisher.