Recommended Reading for This Summer: War Novels
Michael Hennelly, a retired Army lieutenant colonel and former West Point professor, is the expert for this week's installment of the War Books series. Hennelly, who holds a doctorate in strategic management, recommends seven books that explore themes of leadership, each offering valuable insights for modern war and leadership.
- Lee's Lieutenants by Douglas Southall Freeman
This classic work provides a detailed examination of the forty-seven soldiers who served under General Robert E. Lee as major generals and 146 soldiers who served as brigadier generals during the American Civil War. The book offers a valuable look into leadership dynamics during a time of great conflict.
- The First Two Books of the "Master and Commander" Series by Patrick O'Brian
These books, titled "Master and Commander" and "Blue at the Mizzen," follow the leadership journey of Jack Aubrey, a fictional Royal Navy captain. The series is a joy to read and provides a detailed look at leadership in a naval context.
- Clausewitz by Sir Michael Howard
This accessible introduction to the work of Carl von Clausewitz, a Prussian military theorist, condenses Clausewitz's extensive writings into just 73 pages. It is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the principles of war and strategy.
- A Place of Greater Safety by Hilary Mantel
This novel offers a unique perspective on leadership and society during revolutionary times. The story follows three French revolutionaries and provides a compelling portrayal of a society undergoing radical change.
- George C. Marshall: Ordeal and Hope by Forrest Pogue (Volume 1)
This biography of General George C. Marshall, a key figure in the US military, is inspiring to any leader. The book showcases Marshall's decades-long preparation for command in an Army that valued seniority.
- The Innovator's Dilemma by Clayton Christensen
This book provides valuable insights into strategic challenges facing armies in a rapidly changing world. It offers lessons on adaptability and the importance of innovation in overcoming obstacles.
- Hell in a Very Small Place by Bernard Fall
This book offers a detailed account of the actions taken by French strategic and tactical leaders that led to the loss at Dien Bien Phu during the Indochina Wars. It provides valuable lessons on strategy, ethics, and the dynamics of war.
These seven books, while not a definitive list, offer timeless insights into human nature, morale, and ethical leadership. They offer lessons on strategy, adaptability, and the dynamics of war. They inspire critical thinking about political, cultural, and operational challenges in leadership roles. Moreover, they bridge historical understanding with contemporary military theory and practice.
- The classic work, 'Lee's Lieutenants' by Douglas Southall Freeman, provides a valuable look into leadership dynamics during a time of great conflict, specifically the American Civil War.
- The first two books of the "Master and Commander" Series by Patrick O'Brian, 'Master and Commander' and 'Blue at the Mizzen', detail the leadership journey of a fictional Royal Navy captain, offering a deep exploration of leadership in a naval context.
- Sir Michael Howard's book, 'Clausewitz', presents an accessible introduction to the work of Prussian military theorist Carl von Clausewitz, summarizing his extensive writings on the principles of war and strategy.
- Hilary Mantel's novel, 'A Place of Greater Safety', offers a unique perspective on leadership and society during revolutionary times, following three French revolutionaries through a society undergoing radical change.
- Forrest Pogue's biography, 'George C. Marshall: Ordeal and Hope' (Volume 1), showcases the inspiring story of General George C. Marshall, a key figure in the US military, underscoring the importance of preparation in leadership roles.
- 'The Innovator's Dilemma' by Clayton Christensen provides insights into strategic challenges facing armies in a rapidly changing world, offering lessons on adaptability and the importance of innovation in overcoming obstacles.
- Bernard Fall's account in 'Hell in a Very Small Place' provides crucial insights into the actions taken by French strategic and tactical leaders during the Indochina Wars, shedding light on the dynamics of war, strategy, and ethics.
These seven books, while not exhaustive, offer timeless insights into leadership, human nature, morale, and ethical decision-making. They invite critical thinking about political, cultural, and operational challenges in both military and business contexts, bridging historical understanding with contemporary military theory and practice.
