This book examines the history of the German Army which, for the best
part of two centuries, influenced the course of events in Continental
Europe. It was an army that studied the conduct of war at the highest
levels, planning for the destruction of its opponents during the early
stages of a war. On some occasions, this principle succeeded
brilliantly. On others, its details were flawed and the results were
disastrous.
This new and exciting publication from seasoned historian and author
Bryan Perrett charts the ups and downs of the German army from the days
of Frederick the Great to the dying days of World War Two. It passes
through the Napoleonic period, takes in the growth of war machinery
under the leadership of Clausewitz and Moltke and acquaints the reader
with the various victories won against Austria in 1866 and France in
1870. It then moves forwards into the twentieth century, following the
course of the Imperial German army, its successes and ultimate failure
in the Great War, its recovery in the inter-war years and its final
destruction under the leadership of Hitler.
The book is written for the professional and the general reader alike in
the easy, readable style that has ensured Bryan Perrett's international
popularity as a military and naval historian.
