From the Trojan Horse to a photograph snapped in Vietnam, world history has been shaped as much by chance and error as by courage and heroism. Despite impossible odds, invincible armies fall in bitter defeat to weaker opponents. How and why does this happen? What decides the fate of battle? In this fascinating book, Erik Durschmied takes us through the major conflicts of historyfrom Agincourt to … to the Civil War, from Crimea to the Gulf Warand reveals how, in war, it is the improbable and the inconceivable that determine events.
Writing with the style and flair that made him an award-winning war correspondent, Durschmied explores the fistful of nails that could have won Waterloo for Napoleon; the barrel of schnapps that proved disastrous for an Austrian emperor; and the three cigars that changes the course of Antietam; and many other instances when chance decided history’s path. Conflicts are decided by the caprice of weather, erroneous intelligence, unlikely heroism, strange coincidence, or individual incompetencein short, by the unpredictable hinge factor.”
Skyhorse Publishing, as well as our Arcade imprint, are proud to publish a broad range of books for readers interested in history–books about World War II, the Third Reich, Hitler and his henchmen, the JFK assassination, conspiracies, the American Civil War, the American Revolution, gladiators, Vikings, ancient Rome, medieval times, the old West, and much more. While not every title we publish becomes a New York Times bestseller or a national bestseller, we are committed to books on subjects that are sometimes overlooked and to authors whose work might not otherwise find a home.
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I was fascinated and I have no military background. Its a review of our history from the turning points of military decisions.
I found that the old adage “those who do not learn from history are destined to repeat it”. Having also read “Enemy at the Gates”, it amazes me the huge loss of life resulting from war, and this book demonstrates the incompetence of many of the decision makers.
I didn’t know what this was going to be when I ordered it, but what a treat it turned out to be! Major world events including battles have been shaped by silly misunderstandings or overinflated egos or sheer stupidity. Find out how, for example, Robert E. Lee’s battle plans were wrapped around 3 cigars which fell into enemy hands – and then the Feds didn’t know what to do with the windfall.
It is suprising how often the “hinge factor” of triumph vs tragedy happens because someone didn’t take the time to think something through. This is a fascinating book.
Meticulously researched. If you’re interested in War, this is a good book for you.
NO INSIGHT, JUNIOR HIGH VOCABULARY
Was not able to finish this book. Really had high hopes because I love this history. The author spent 1/10 of each section on the interesting facts and 9/10 on blow by blow battle details.
Excellent book, really learned a lot.
really informative and eye-opening. I like the hinge factor portion- very well thought out.
Rethinking history.
Not a particularly interesting read. Filled with facts but not engaging.
Too many of the stories were the same;long complicated battle maneuvers.
shallow
This book is informative, educational very thought-provoking.
I never realized the stupidity in particular military leaders.
It was ok; not outstanding. Lots of stupid things have affected our history
Great reading for the military historian.