A History of War explains the dark but compelling story of warfare, from its emergence in prehistoric tribal disputes, through great imperial and global wars, to present-day counter-insurgency and 'hybrid' conflicts. Two factors sit at the heart of this story: technology - including weapons, vehicle systems and vehicles and tactics. A History of War charts the rise of the army, explaining how primitive tribal war parties evolved through seasonal levies and feudal armies to professional standing armies and mass conscription forces, with formal organisational structures.

The narrative of A History of War is sewn together by the conflicts that have periodically reshaped history, from localised insurgencies to vast world wars. The book provides summaries and insights into these conflicts while recognising the human drama of conflict, with first-hand insight into the experience of combat, either as a combatant or as a civilian swept up in violent times.

Written with both authority and accessibility, A History of War provides a comprehensive single-volume overview of warfare and how it has shaped our world.