The Allure of Battle: A History of How Wars Have Been Won and Lost

New York: Oxford University Press. Fine in Near Fine dust jacket. 2016. First Edition. Hardcover. 0195383788 . A first printing of Cathal J. Nolan's hefty history of warfare, in which he presents detailed analyses of various battles in various wars throughout world history. His overall conclusion is that wars are decided more from prolonged stalemate and attrition, rather than individual battles which may be thought to be "turning points." With numerous black & white photos of people and events as well as 18 maps. --- In full gold paper-covered boards with spine titling in black. Jacket features astounding wrap-around photo of an immense collection of spent artillery shells in France during World War I. --- A clean, bright, newish copy lacking apparent damages. Jacket lacks a flap price, with mild creasing to tail of spine, else undamaged and wrapped in removable archival mylar protector (which has mild rubbing). (NOTE: Due to the weight of this item, extra shipping charges may be requested for any shipment other than by USPS Media Mail in the US.); Tall Octavo - 9 to 10 in. tall; (14), 709 pages .