Colonel Jean Colin was the head of the historical section of the French General Staff for many years. He authored a number of books on the military history of the French Revolution, wars of Napoleon and the great man himself. He also oversaw the publications of many more in his position as the head of the historical section in the latter part of the 19th into the 20th century, as part of a further well-spring of military literature printed in the wake of the epic defeat of the French by th...

I do not believe in the perfection of the British constitution as an instrument of war ... it is evident that there is something in your machinery that is wrong. These were the words of the late Marquis of Salisbury, speaking as Prime Minister in his place in the House of Lords on the 30th of January 1900. They amounted to a declaration by the British Government that it could not govern, for the first business of a Government is to be able to defend the State of which it has charge, that i...

Dive into the inner workings of military strategy and organization with Spenser Wilkinson's insightful book, "The Brain of an Army: A Popular Account of the German General Staff." This captivating read offers a comprehensive exploration of the German General Staff, providing valuable insights into its structure, function, and impact on military operations.As Wilkinson's engaging narrative unfolds, prepare to be intrigued by the meticulous planning and coordination...

"Lessons of the War: Being Comments from Week to Week to the Relief of Ladysmith" is a compelling collection of observations and reflections on the Second Boer War, particularly focusing on the siege of Ladysmith. The author provides a vivid account of the events, capturing the struggles and resilience of the British forces and the local populace. Through a series of weekly comments, the narrative unfolds the complexities of warfare, the impact on soldiers and civilians, and the broader im...

"Britain at Bay" by Spenser Wilkinson is a compelling exploration of Britain's strategic position during a time of crisis. The book delves into the geopolitical landscape, examining the challenges faced by the nation and the decisions made by its leaders. Wilkinson's insightful analysis provides a thorough understanding of military strategy and national defense, highlighting the importance of preparedness in the face of potential threats. His narrative is both engaging and informative, mak...

"Lessons of the War: Being Comments from Week to Week to the Relief of Ladysmith" by Spenser Wilkinson offers a compelling analysis of the military strategies and political implications during the Second Boer War. Wilkinson, a keen observer and military historian, provides insightful commentary on the events surrounding the siege of Ladysmith, emphasizing the challenges faced by British forces. His observations reflect not only the tactical decisions made but also the broader context of im...

The next six weeks will be an anxious time for the British Empire. The war which begins as I write between three and four on Wednesday afternoon, October 11th, 1899, is a conflict for supremacy in South Africa between the Boer States, their aiders and abettors, and the British Empire. In point of resources the British Empire is so incomparably stronger than the Boer States that there ought to be no possibility of doubt about the issue. But the Boer States with all their resources are actua...

On the afternoon of Monday, the 2nd of July, 1866, King William of Prussia with his retinue drove into the little town of Gitschin, in the hilly region of Northern Bohemia, on the southern side of the Giant Mountains. His upright bearing scarcely showed the burden of his sixty-nine years, nor did his frank expression reveal the weight of care that pressed upon him. After months of weary diplomacy, the political crisis had been brought to a head by a resolution of the Diet of the Germanic C...

Many know of the French army that marched under Napoleon's eagles to triumph after triumph before the Emperor's last gamble failed at Waterloo. However, the army that drove the French all the way to Moscow was victorious in many battles in previous wars, and at its heart were the noble officers. The theories and insights of the officer corps shaped the thinking of all of Europe, not least the strategic thinking of Napoleon. Professor Wilkinson charts the advances in tactics and the progres...

On the afternoon of Monday, the 2nd of July, 1866, King William of Prussia with his retinue drove into the little town of Gitschin, in the hilly region of Northern Bohemia, on the southern side of the Giant Mountains. His upright bearing scarcely showed the burden of his sixty-nine years, nor did his frank expression reveal the weight of care that pressed upon him. After months of weary diplomacy, the political crisis had been brought to a head by a resolution of the Diet of the Germanic C...

On the afternoon of Monday, the 2nd of July, 1866, King William of Prussia with his retinue drove into the little town of Gitschin, in the hilly region of Northern Bohemia, on the southern side of the Giant Mountains. His upright bearing scarcely showed the burden of his sixty-nine years, nor did his frank expression reveal the weight of care that pressed upon him. After months of weary diplomacy, the political crisis had been brought to a head by a resolution of the Diet of the Germanic C...

Six years ago a Royal Commission, under the presidency of Lord Hartington, was known to be inquiring into the administration of the national defence. There was much talk in the newspapers about the Prussian staff, and many were the advocates of its imitation in this country. Very few of those who took part in the discussions seemed to know what the Prussian staff was, and I thought it might be useful to the Royal Commission and to the public to have a true account of that institution, writ...