Seven Myths of Military History

Description

'This brief, provocative, and accessible book offers snapshots of seven pernicious myths in military history that have been perpetrated on unsuspecting students, readers, moviegoers, game players, and politicians. It promotes awareness of how myths are created by 'the spurious misuse and ignorance of history' and how misleading ideas about a military problem, as in asymmetric warfare, can lead to misguided solutions. "Both scholarly and engaging, this book is an ideal addition to military history and historical methodology courses. In fact, it could be fruitfully used in any course that teaches critical thinking skills, including courses outside the discipline of history. Military history has a broad appeal to students, and there's something here for everyone. From the so-called 'Western Way of War' to its sister-myth, technological determinism, to the 'academic party game' of once-faddish 'Military Revolutions,' the book shows that while myths about history may be fun, myth busting is the most fun of all.' - Reina Pennington, Norwich University

John D Hosler is Professor of Military History, United States Army Command and General Staff College. Alfred J. Andrea is Emeritus Professor of History, The University of Vermont, and general editor of Hackett's Critical Themes in History series. His other books with Hackett include The Medieval Record: Sources of Medieval History, Second Revised Edition, and Seven Myths of the Crusades (co-authored with Andrew Holt and part of Hackett's Myths of History series). Andrew Holt is Associate Professor of History, Florida State College at Jacksonville, and one of the series editors, along with Alfred J. Andrea, of Hackett's Myths of History series. Visit Professor Holt's blog, https://apholt.com/, for more writings about crusades and medieval history.

"Why does military history generate so many myths? Is it because easily digestible myths make the subject easier to teach and study? Or because such myths help to paper over the simple but depressing fact that mankind has, since its very origins, permitted the slaughter of millions, often for the most minor of reasons? While such questions are difficult if not impossible to answer, in bringing together seven of the world's finest military historians to dispel seven of these myths, John Hosler provides a great service in laying bare the myths' origins. Anyone interested in the subject should read this book first, before embarking on further study." Kelly Devries, Loyola University Maryland