War makes headlines and history books. It has shaped the international system, prompted social change, and inspired literature, art and music. Reflecting the character of war, this work addresses a range of questions such as: What are the causes of war? And which strategic as well as moral principles guide its conduct, and how have these changed?

'This prose anthology of war is a delight for specialists and general readers alike. It works particularly well for dippers like myself. I found I was opening it at random, reading a couple of essays, becoming absorbed, reading more, opening at another point, repeating the process and so on. I shall return to it many times in the future.' Sir Anthony Parsons International Relations Vol XII No 2 Aug '94 'Collections of extracts about war in general or particular wars are nothing new, but this one seems original in its attempted comprehensiveness. It is called an "Oxford Reader", and it will no doubt make a very serviceable one for students the whole world over.' Times Literary Supplement