Dusty Shelves Exclusive Edition: War Books on Display

Dusty Shelves Exclusive Edition: War Books on Display

Taking Over theresponsibility: Welcome to another thrilling installment of our recurring series, War Books! This week, we're diving into a captivating collection known as Dusty Shelves, published by our friends at WAR ROOM, the engaging online journal of the United States Army War College. Thomas Bruscino, a professor at the US Army War College and the editor of the Dusty Shelves series, has kindly agreed to share his personal favorites from the series. Let's get to it!

*Air Warfare, by William C. Sherman (reviewed for Dusty Shelves by Heather Venable)*

First up, we've got a compelling review of an underrated 1926 work by a largely forgotten American airman. Venable elegantly highlights how Sherman's book counters the stereotype that all interwar airpower theorists were in sync about the significance of strategic bombing. Remember, military history is hardly ever as straightforward as those generalizations would suggest, so brace yourself for a slice of complexity!

*The Third World War, by Sir John Hackett (reviewed for Dusty Shelves by Adam Seipp)*

Summer 2020 was a tumultuous time, resembling our very own Armageddon, and Adam Seipp intelligently reminded us of an intriguing 1978 work of fiction depicting World War III. Speculative fiction, especially dystopian war-related tales, has long been a rich tapestry for policymakers and military professionals alike. Is Hackett the one who kickstarted the genre in the 1980s? Read on to find out, and if that sparks your curiosity, check out the entertaining podcast episode exploring his works!

*Fleet Admiral King: A Naval Record, by Ernest King (reviewed for Dusty Shelves by Jonathan Klug)*

Memoirs may have gained a tarnished reputation, but as Klug's article proves, there's much to learn from these firsthand accounts. Good or bad, they offer an insightful glimpse into key decision-making moments, so feast your eyes on this lively account of the life and career of a man as entertaining as he was important.

*Major General Guy V. Henry, Jr.'s Travel Itinerary, 1944*, (reviewed for Dusty Shelves by Matthew Morton)

Let's take a walk on the lighter side of warfare with Matthew Morton's analysis of an epically intricate travel itinerary for an anonymous World War II general working on hemispheric defense. This engaging romp through the intricacies of official travel planning is a refreshing reminder of the diverse roles leaders play in modern military environments.

*The Moon is Down, by John Steinbeck, (reviewed for Dusty Shelves by Rick Chersicla)*

Wrapping up our top five is a lesser-known work of historical fiction that Steinbeck wrote during World War II. The narrative takes place in an occupied country in Northern Europe, and Chersicla eloquently dissects how Steinbeck handles the nuances of occupation and the emergence of resistance movements. As with any good tale, the specifics aren't as important as the broader truths it reveals. Amidst the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, this work remains strikingly relevant today.

Now, here are five books I personally relish, which haven't yet been discussed in the Dusty Shelves series. I hope they inspire you to contribute some fascinating insights on them!

*The Nation in Arms: A Treatise on Modern Miliary Systems and The Conduct of War, by Colmar von der Goltz*

If you seek an intriguing exploration of military history and the influences of foreign military theorists, these books should be on your radar. Von der Goltz was a fascinating figure in imperial Germany, and his works had a significant impact on military thinking around the world, including the United States.

*Quartermaster Support of the Army: A History of the Corps, 1775-1939, by Erna Risch*

Although official histories and logistics-focused books have a reputation for being dry and uninviting, Risch's work stands out with its broad, insightful, and engaging exploration of the Quartermaster Corps and its vital role in military operations.

*Washington, Lincoln, Wilson: Three War Statesmen, by John McAuley Palmer*

Palmer's book offers a unique perspective on the development of American military policy, especially preparedness, as told by a biased source himself an advocate for a specific approach to preparedness.

*Guns, Sails, and Empires: Technological Innovation and the Early Phases of European Expansion, 1400-1700, by Carlo M. Cipolla*

For those eager to dive into the rich tapestry of military history that transcends time and space, Cipolla's book is a concise, well-researched, and elegantly crafted work that explores the interplay between technological innovations and European expansion.

*The Western Way of War: Infantry Battle in Ancient Greece, by Victor Davis Hanson*

Yes, you read that right. Although Hanson's later works might have ventured into controversial territories, his earlier work on ancient Greek warfare remains a breathtaking exploration of the motivations and conduct of ancient Greek battles—a fascinating study in human conflict that goes beyond the typical horrors of war and highlights its enigmatic nature.

Thomas Bruscino is a professor in the Department of Military, Strategy, Planning and Operations at the US Army War College and the editor of the Dusty Shelves series published by WAR ROOM*.

*All views expressed are solely those of the author and do not reflect the official position of the United States Military Academy, Department of the Army, or Department of Defense.

Image credit: Nenad Stojkovich*

1. Military history and self-development intersect in the online educational platform, where learners can delve into Thomas Bruscino's courses, who is a professor in the Department of Military, Strategy, Planning and Operations at the US Army War College and the editor of the Dusty Shelves series.
2. Students of military strategy could expand their understanding of foreign military theorists with the help of online education, examining works such as Colmar von der Goltz's 'The Nation in Arms: A Treatise on Modern Military Systems' and 'The Conduct of War'.
3. In the realm of education-and-self-development, aspiring leaders of military logistics can acquire knowledge and insights into the Quartermaster Corps' history and its critical role in military operations through Erna Risch's 'Quartermaster Support of the Army: A History of the Corps, 1775-1939'.
4. For those interested in learning about the origins of military force and warfare, online education provides access to concise, well-researched books such as Victor Davis Hanson's 'The Western Way of War: Infantry Battle in Ancient Greece'.

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