Warriors have always understood that combat is an art requiring sharp, flexible minds capable of adapting quickly to constantly shifting situations. In a survey that looks widely across history and cultures, the theories of some of the finest military thinkers and strategists unfold. The story begins with ancient Chinese tacticians, especially Sun Tzu, and then proceeds to the age of classical antiquity; to Byzantine and medieval Western thought; to Machiavelli and his time; and to the true greats like Clausewitz. We head into the modern age with a look at the 19th century, naval warfare, the two World Wars, nuclear strategy, and guerrilla insurrections.