A Military Historian’s Omnibus

This magisterial history, written by Edward Gibbon, covers the peak of the Roman Empire, the history of early Christianity, the fall of the Western Roman Empire, and the rise and fall of various other empires and civilizations up to the fall of Byzantium in 1453. Gibbon's work is renowned for its thorough scholarship, diverse sources, and engaging prose. He argues that the Roman Empire succumbed to barbarian invasions partly due to the gradual loss of civic virtue among its citizens and critiques the role of Christianity in the empire's decline. The work was published in six volumes between 1776 and 1789 and has remained a seminal work in historical literature despite some criticisms from modern scholars[2][4][5].

Victor Davis Hanson's "The Soul of Battle" explores the nature of leadership and combat through the lives of three commanders: Epaminondas, William Tecumseh Sherman, and George S. Patton. Hanson analyzes their strategies, personalities, and the impact they had on their troops' morale and fighting spirit. The book delves into the importance of understanding the human element in warfare and how different leadership styles can influence the outcome of battles. It also touches upon the role of democracy and its impact on military effectiveness. Hanson's work offers valuable insights into military history and leadership principles.

Battle Cry of Freedom: The Civil War Era is a detailed historical account by James M. McPherson, spanning two decades from the Mexican-American War to the end of the Civil War at Appomattox. The book integrates political, social, and military events, providing a thorough analysis of the pre-war period and the Civil War itself. McPherson examines the multiple interpretations of freedom held by both the North and South, highlighting how these differing views led to the conflict. The book is part of the Oxford History of the United States series and is praised for its fluid writing style, use of anecdotes, and comprehensive coverage of the period, including significant events like the Dred Scott decision, the Lincoln-Douglas debates, and John Brown's raid on Harpers Ferry.

In 'The Face of Battle', John Keegan explores the human experience of combat by examining the mechanics and psychology of warfare in three distinct historical periods. The book focuses on the common soldier's perspective, analyzing the physical and mental aspects of battle and challenging traditional myths about warfare. It is a companion volume to Keegan's 'The Mask of Command', together forming a seminal work in military and human history.