Rethinking Military History is a bold new ‘thought book’ that re-positions military history at the beginning of the twenty-first century. Jeremy Black reveals the main trends in the practice and approach to military history and proposes a new manifesto for the subject to move forward. This must-read study demonstrates the limitations of current approaches including common generalizations, omissions, and oversimplifications.

Engaging theoretical discussions, with reference to specific conflicts, suggest how these limitations can be remedied and adapted, whilst incorporating contributions from other disciplines. Additional chapters provide a valuable and concise survey of the main themes in the study of military history from 1500 to the present day. Rethinking Military History is essential reading for all those with an interest in military history, and all who wish to take part in moving the discipline forward.

The Author

Jeremy Black is Professor of History at the University of Exeter. He is editor of the Routledge series Warfare and History.