On War (Volumes 2 and 3)
Carl Von Clausewitz
Read by Timothy Ferguson
On War is a seminal exploration of the philosophy and strategy behind warfare, penned by the Prussian military theorist Carl Von Clausewitz. This influential work delves into the complex nature of war, examining its political, social, and psychological dimensions, and remains a cornerstone in military studies.
Clausewitz articulates the interplay between war and politics, emphasizing that war is not merely a series of battles but a continuation of political discourse by other means. His insights into the fog of war, the importance of morale, and the unpredictability of conflict have shaped military thought for generations.
With its rigorous analysis and profound observations, On War invites listeners to reflect on the broader implications of conflict and the nature of human struggle. This audiobook, narrated by Timothy Ferguson, offers a compelling entry point into Clausewitz's enduring legacy and the complexities of military strategy.
Chapters
Select a chapter to play
| Book 5, Chapters 1-4 | 35:22 | Read by Timothy Ferguson | |
| Book 5, Chapters 5-6 | 29:35 | Read by Timothy Ferguson | |
| Book 5, Chapters 7-8 | 29:47 | Read by Timothy Ferguson | |
| Book 5, Chapters 9-12 | 35:50 | Read by Timothy Ferguson | |
| Book 5, Chapters 13-14 | 52:14 | Read by Timothy Ferguson | |
| Book 5, Chapters 15-18 | 40:13 | Read by Timothy Ferguson | |
| Book 6, Chapters 1-4 | 35:29 | Read by Timothy Ferguson | |
| Book 6, Chapters 5-7 | 24:18 | Read by Timothy Ferguson | |
| Book 6, Chapters 8-9 | 48:31 | Read by Timothy Ferguson | |
| Book 6, Chapters 10-11 | 36:22 | Read by Timothy Ferguson | |
| Book 6, Chapters 12-14 | 36:06 | Read by Timothy Ferguson | |
| Book 6, Chapters 15-17 | 51:59 | Read by Timothy Ferguson | |
| Book 6, Chapters 18-19 | 43:17 | Read by Timothy Ferguson | |
| Book 6, Chapters 20-22 | 26:26 | Read by Timothy Ferguson | |
| Book 6, Chapters 23-24 | 36:09 | Read by Timothy Ferguson | |
| Book 6, Chapters 25-26 | 47:39 | Read by Timothy Ferguson | |
| Book 6, Chapters 27-29 | 53:30 | Read by Timothy Ferguson | |
| Book 6, Chapter 30, Part 1 | 40:08 | Read by Timothy Ferguson | |
| Book 6, Chapter 30, Part 2 | 24:03 | Read by Timothy Ferguson | |
| Book 7, Chapters 1-8 | 29:19 | Read by Timothy Ferguson | |
| Book 7, Chapters 9-15 | 32:20 | Read by Timothy Ferguson | |
| Book 7, Chapters 16-19 | 38:11 | Read by Timothy Ferguson | |
| Book 7, Chapters 20-21 | 30:16 | Read by Timothy Ferguson | |
| Book 8, Chapters 1-2 | 14:06 | Read by Timothy Ferguson | |
| Book 8, Chapter 3 | 39:56 | Read by Timothy Ferguson | |
| Book 8, Chapters 4-5 | 24:25 | Read by Timothy Ferguson | |
| Book 8, Chapters 6-8 | 41:31 | Read by Timothy Ferguson | |
| Book 8, Chapter 9 | 1:06:23 | Read by Timothy Ferguson | |
| Summary of Instructions Part 1 | 51:23 | Read by Timothy Ferguson | |
| Summary of Instructions Part 2 | 35:58 | Read by Timothy Ferguson | |
| On the Organic Division of Armed Forces, and Sketch of a Plan for Tactics | 25:04 | Read by Timothy Ferguson | |
| Guide to Tactics Part 1 | 32:18 | Read by Timothy Ferguson | |
| Guide to Tactics Part 2 | 33:54 | Read by Timothy Ferguson | |
| Guide to Tactics Part 3 | 29:18 | Read by Timothy Ferguson | |
| Guide to Tactics Part 4 | 33:14 | Read by Timothy Ferguson | |
| Guide to Tactics Part 5 | 31:40 | Read by Timothy Ferguson | |
| Guide to Tactics Part 6 | 12:28 | Read by Timothy Ferguson |
Reviews
very well done
Jon Mark Wilson
The appendices become a morass of numbered points. I skipped ahead. The reader though helpfully described every diagram and footnote throughout the whole, this project sets a high bar for audio books. Regarding historical value On War is a glimpse into the state of theory in the mid 1800s. Field tactics assume black powder technology but some principles are still valid. Unfortunately in World War I on the Western front all commanders on all sides stuck to the wrong principles, and did not take into account the mechanization of warfare, even very late hoping to make use of cavalry once a breach was opened beyond a mere salient. The moral/morale factors are accounted for but are viewed as most decisive between the opposing field marshals or generals, and their resolution versus timidity relative to their objectives. I find Sun Tzu The Art of War to be more timeless in terms of philosophy, for example in the wisdom of hiding strength and of using bold movements to camouflage weakness.
Thank you Timothy Ferguson!
A LibriVox Listener
Ferguson presents a flawless, professional read of this classic. His diction is clear, even when played at higher speeds. The recording quality is consistently excellent. If you want to listen to Clausewitz for several hours, I recommend doing so with this recording.
A great work
Dresh Karal
Well-reasoned and well read. what else could one ask of a military work?
great reading
Kyle
The reader is excellent!
The first volume is over here...
Timothy Ferguson
Volume 1 is at https://archive.org/details/onwar_1005_librivox