In one of the most important works of modern military history, British historian John Keegan narrates the story of the evolution of battle as a defining human experience that tests mental endurance and physical strength.

Examining three characteristic cases - Agincourt, Waterloo, Somme - he describes the seen and unseen aspects of a battle and its consequences in three different periods of European history - the medieval era, the Napoleonic times, World War I.

In a long-term historical perspective, the author transports us to war zones, to hand-to-hand conflicts, to exchanges of fire, to the capture of positions and advances, to scenes of deadly injuries, desertions, or executions of prisoners. He raises issues of tactics, preparation, equipment, as well as psychological tricks for a successful attack.

Finally, he outlines future trends in an era of rapid developments in technology, economy, troop staffing, and the conduct of military operations.

[Excerpt from the text on the back cover of the edition]