The Hinges of Battle: How Chance and Incompetence Have Changed the Face of History

Durschmied, Erik

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0340819774 ISBN 13: 9780340819777

Verlag: Hodder & Stoughton Ltd, 2002

Physical description: x, 438 p. : ill., maps ; 23 cm. Notes: Includes bibliographical references (p. [419]-425) and index. Subjects: Battles. Military history.

Críticas:

PRAISE FOR THE HINGE FACTOR: 'His tales of mayhem and confusion can be gripping, informative and genuinely idea-provoking. He reveals again and again, the casual impact of happenstance.' Independent 2 'This entertaining book considers the errors and incidents that have shaped the world as we know it rather than as we planned it might be.' The Times 3 'Gripping, riveting. Fascinating. Even when you're sure you know what happened and whodunit, Erik Durschmeid provides another twist.' Scotsman 4 'Erik Durschmeid's revelations are wholly captivating.' Manchester Evening News

Reseña del editor:

Some battles were decided by genius, but more were decided by a quirk of fate that tipped the scales. The thrust of a spear, the blink of an eye, a single phrase or misinterpreted command is all it takes. Battles have shaped the course of history and decided the fate of mankind. From a brutal Attila the Hun who was defeated on the Catalaunian Fienls, to an overbearing French artillery colonel at Dien Bien Phu; from the stout walls of Constaninople to a skimpy wall at Rourke's Drift; from the sun of Austerlitz to the snows of Stalingrad, it was always an incident that decided the outcome of battle. This work takes a look at the many turning points of famous conflicts, especially at the minor incidents that decided the outcome, otherwise known as the hinge of battle.