Strategy: A History

If you're going to read one serious book on strategy, let it be this. I could not imagine a more comprehensive and holistic approach; starting from primates and spanning through biblical times and all the way to modern warfare, Freedman studies meticulously the evolution of strategic thought. He then ventures onto the world of business strategy, how it evolved and how it was influenced by strategies of warfare; an impeccably researched chapter incorporating an analysis of all major management theories on strategy. The behavioral and social elements are also examined. This book is for serious strategy enthusiasists; a long heavy read that will prove very rewarding if you are drawn to the world of strategy.

A very ambitious and mammoth work, Freedman attempts to espouse, in a single volume, all the various forms of strategy, under every respective lens, and pretty much succeeds.Contained is every conceivable strategy, from Biblical understandings of the role of divine intervention, to an examination of Milton’s Paradise Lost, wherein Satan is a Machiavellian fallen Angel, competing against a superior opponent in a struggle he cannot possibly win.As one may expect, all the major exponents of strategy are examined, including Machiavelli, Sun Tzu, and Clausewitz. Indeed, the two latter strategists, Sun Tzu and Clausewitz, receive the most frequent reference outside of their own respective chapters.An interesting part to note is the section on strategies of mass movements, particularly those of Revolutionaries, whether the theoreticians behind revolution, such as Marx and Engels, to the practitioners of revolutionary Marxism, particularly Rosa Luxemburg.The Civil Rights era contains interesting reference points, and it is entirely ironic that the fatal errors of the opponents of civil rights are replaying such errors in this present day, such as heavy handed responses that simply galvanize the opposition and attract wider sympathy for the cause.The section on Mao Zedong is of particular note, examining the role of strategy that ran contrary to official Marxist-Leninist Revolutionary strategy was applied to a largely agricultural nation, and in some ways how Maoism earned its place as a unique revolutionary strategy.The section on management strategy and the latter chapters become slightly muddled, and by the time these sections are reached, the book seems somewhat overlong, but that in itself is not a serious glitch on what is otherwise a masterful work.A work for all times and all peoples, which in time should earn itself a high place in the world literary cannon.

This is a weighty tome on the history of strategic thinking. A number of sections covering different areas of strategic thought, though the one on the evolution of military thinking is all too brief. There is too much on Management Strategy for my taste. I would like to see a lot more on the ancient strategists.Still a good one stop shop on the subject.

Very entertaining and far less pompous and academic than I expected. If you're into the topic it is a great read.Also, Freedman has structured the book in short digestible chapters which makes the whole thing a lot more approachable.

An excellent book, on strategy and leadership. Due to the depth, detail and range of examples covered, the book does take a commitment to read and finish. However every chapter, even the slower ones work towards a different view of strategy. Painting a wide landscape, some of the examples will be at odds with any current held believes. The stories told are strategy as vision, more than a manual of strategy as delivery. However as a stepping off point into delivery, any step taken will be more considered after reading this excellent book.

This is a really good, thoughful and thought-provoking book. For anyone who has a fascination with humans and what they get up to this is a refreshing take on many of the great events in history - as well as a look behind the sccenes of much of modern corporate life. Despite its slightly overwhelming size (it's a big old book) it is a pleasure to sit and read. I found mysefl effortlessly drawn forward by the unfolding drama of strategy as a world changing philosophy. I particaularily enjoyed the insights into the narrow mindedness of so many of the so-called greats with their obviously circumscribed interests followed through to the exclusion of anything resembling common sense. Really good.

A brill book for anyone who loves a challenge in reading history. Son loved it. Very academic.

Loved almost every page as Freedman follows our human attempts to shape our futures. He moves from prehistory, using great ape behaviour as a proxy, through political and military strategic action and thought, and arrives at the present days debates about the narrative turn, behavioural science, hot and cold cognition, and concludes, quite rightly that a smart strategist recognises both the limits and possibilities of moving imaginatively from means to ends.

Amazing book. Taught me heaps and brought me to many other great titles.

Great book, sooooo much information, very engaging.

There were 40 pages missing from the book - which was very frustrating and inconvenient as this was needed for university work.

Nowhere in the product information did it mention that the CD was mp3, it will therefore not play in my car which is why i bought it.

A great history book, a great management book, a great politics book...an amazing combination is beautifully simple and engaging prose

A good book

A bit all over the place at times but interesting none the less.

Very informative and detailed study on strategy across the ages, although you need serious stamina to finish this.