The Shortest History of War

READ IN A DAY. REMEMBER FOR A LIFETIME. In this timely addition to the bestselling Shortest History series, acclaimed writer and military expert Gwynne Dyer tells the story of war from its prehistoric -- perhaps pre-human -- origins to the present age of algorithms and atomic weapons. With the clarity and insight that have won his columns millions of readers around the world, Dyer chronicles warfare's coming-of-age in the first cities; the rise of tyranny as humans multiply; the millennia of classical combat ended by the firearm and the carnage of the Thirty Years' War; and the brief interlude of limited war before the popular revolutions of the 18th century ushered in the era of total war -- itself halted, for now, by Hiroshima. The final chapters deal with the precarious equilibrium of the past 75 years -- the longest peace between major powers in history -- and the threats posed by nuclear proliferation, global heating and superpower rivalry. This marvellously clear-sighted book is vital reading for anyone who wants to understand the role of war in the long human story: why we do it, and how we can stop.

Gwynne Dyer lives in London, where he works as an author, historian and independent journalist. His television series on the history of war was nominated for an Academy Award, and his twice-weekly column on international affairs appears in 175 newspapers in 45 countries.