How Wars Begin and End

About this book

A FASCINATING ACCOUNT OF WAR BY ONE OF THE UK’S MOST INFLUENTIAL — AND READABLE — HISTORIANS.‘The most readable, sceptical and original of modern historians.’ Michael Foot‘Anything Mr Taylor writes is worth reading . . . he is our greatest popular historian since Macaulay.’ The Spectator‘His informal, pithy style makes the book compelling — even exciting — reading.’ The Irish TimesIN THIS TWO-BOOK HOW WARS BEGINWar has been one of the most destructive and decisive forces in history. But how do wars begin? The origins of war are complex. All are driven by a combination of public opinion, secret diplomacy, jingoism, armament manufacturers and even historians.A.J.P. Taylor examines eight major conflicts, from the Napoleonic era to the Cold War, discussing the motives and personalities of those behind the decisions that lead to war.HOW WARS ENDWhat, besides martial glory and the loss of countless lives, brings a war to an end? In this brilliant polemical essay, Taylor shows that even as conflicts end and normality and peace are restored, unexpected triggers, freak judgments and personal ambitions can prepare the ground for future conflict. He provides an engaging overview of the resolution of the great conflicts of the past.HOW WARS BEGIN was originally delivered as a series of impromptu lectures on BBC television in July 1977. HOW WARS END was his final lecture series on Channel 4 in 1985, five years before Taylor’s death. Both books are a fascinating and highly readable collection of the transcripts. Perfect for anyone interested in war, military studies or diplomacy.Alan John Percivale Taylor (1906–1990) was perhaps the best-known British historian of the twentieth century, celebrated for his accessible and frequently humorous style almost as much as for his academic prowess and insight. He popularised history through television and was a brilliant storyteller who could make the most complex historical narratives understandable to a wide audience.PRAISE FOR A.J.P. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘This is no dust-dry tome, but an engaging and educational read.’ Rugby3⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Taylor is the best writer on diplomatic history. Always engaging.’ J. I. Bradley⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Taylor was one of the finest historians of the twentieth century, blessed with a unique ability to tell it as it is.’ Dennis F.⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Informative and thoroughly readable.’ Kindle customer⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘There's something about A.J.P. Taylor's writing that pulls you in.’ Soham C.⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘A.J.P. Taylor was the master of historical narrative.’ Kevin B.