The Century of Warfare

The most comprehensive and authoritative overview of warfare in the 20th century, 'The Century of Warfare' describes the causes of wars, their course, and how peace was made. Tracing international and internal conflict from the Boer War to the civil wars of Former Yugoslavia and Rwanda, it clarifies the issues behind today's wars, whose roots so often lie in the battles of the past.In no other century has war been so widespread and carried so much suffering and loss of life. Leading historian Charles Messenger traces the awesome developments in weapons technology, from the breech-loading artillery of 1914 to the devastating effect of strategic aircraft bombing and chemical and nuclear warfare, and examines how this technology heralded a new and increasingly lethal era of conflict. He takes no sides but seeks to increase our understanding of war in all its forms, from conventional battles to guerrilla warfare and terrorism.Featuring hundreds of photographs, including many hitherto unseen stills from the Western Front during the First World War, 'The Century of Warfare' also gives a stunning pictorial record of the changing face of modern warfare."A very readable introduction to the subject of war in the twentieth century. It is an ideal book for the beginner or the layman who wants a general overview of the nature and conduct of modern war"
JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL MILITARY ACADEMY, SANDHURST"Imagine the challenge to cover, in just 429 pages, nearly 160 large and small wars that have occurred since the beginning of the century. Charles Messenger, in 'The Century of Warfare'... has responded to the challenge well"
SOLDIER