Book Reviews

The Soul of Battle Book Review by Mike Ramey

by Mike Ramey
01/22/21
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“Patton was not a passive reader; his copies were fully annotated, and texts were selected precisely to enhance his own understanding of the arts of military command.”

--Victor Davis Hanson, Author

“The Soul of Battle”

     Victor Davis Hanson has been experiencing an increasing rise in public visibility and popularity.  Better known for his targeted political analysis and commentary, Hanson has a solid reputation as a military historian.  One of his older works profiles previously unknown and background details on three of the most underrated military generals known to art of warfare…the generals who came from forgotten areas of life to rise through the ranks and appear when they were expressly needed—but not appreciated.

     “The Soul of Battle: From Ancient Times to the Present Day, How Three Great Liberators Vanquished Tyranny” (1999, 480 pages, Anchor Books) is Hanson’s contribution to explaining and expanding knowledge on Theban General Epaminondas, Union General William Tecumseh Sherman of the Civil War, and hard-charging World War II General George S. Patton, Jr.  All three of these military warriors considered legendary based on both their battle records—and the troubles each accumulated for being exceedingly good at their jobs.

“Sherman’s march through Georgia would teach North and South alike what war really was for, and how it could be ended.”

--Victor Davis Hanson, Author

“The Soul of Battle”

     Students and teachers alike will draw some inspiration from Hanson’s work.  The Glossary and Notes sections have lots of references on previously hard-to-find information on not only the three generals, but on their times and some of the figures they ‘rubbed elbows with’ during their careers. 

     Each general has a section of the book dedicated to his background and exploits, filling in some previously unknown historical ‘blanks’ on their educations, battle tactics, and how each of these commanders supported their men in the field, which—in turn—drew everlasting admiration of their troops.  Further, some of the off-field dust ups each general had with their higher-ups is also explored…which may be surprising to many.

     “The Soul of Battle: From Ancient Times to the Present Day, How Three Great Liberators Vanquished Tyranny” by Victor Davis Hanson is a welcome military history work that is worth the investment.  You may find this work through your favorite electronic bookseller, or other on line locations.

     Mike Ramey is a Minister, syndicated columnist, book reviewer and consultant.  “On Line Reviews” is one of a variety of regular column titles which Ramey has in cyberspace from Barnstorm Communications International.  If you care to drop him a line, or a whine, feel free to reach him at [email protected]. ©2021 Barnstorm Communications International.