Masters of Command
I met Professor Barry Strauss during a visit to Cornell University. I'd earlier picked up his THE BATTLE OF SALAMIS and enjoyed it, as I also enjoyed meeting this renowned professor of history and the classics.
Now he’s written a riveting, fast-paced, penetrating volume around three powerful war leaders – Alexander the Great, Hannibal and Caesar, men who still stand astride our imaginations centuries after they lived, led, fought, and ruled.
While other classicists draw on ancient philosophers for lessons on the life well lived, Strauss looks to men of action and determination for lessons on leadership and strategy.
Strauss traces ten attributes of success he sees in the lives of these warriors and examines how these qualities affected their decisions and actions, their success and their failure.
Unlike many academics, Strauss is a fine writer, with a strong, punchy style and a great sense of pacing. This makes MASTERS OF COMMAND a great read, packed with terrific insights, and one of those books you just can’t put down.
I read an advance copy: it’s to be published in May 2012. Pre-order it.