Iron and Blood

A Military History of the German-speaking Peoples Since 1500

By Peter H. Wilson | Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd

About the book

*WINNER OF THE DUKE OF WELLINGTON MEDAL FOR MILITARY HISTORY*
*A DAILY TELEGRAPH BOOK OF THE YEAR 2022*

'No one interested in the history of Europe can afford not to read this stupendous book' Simon Heffer, Daily Telegraph

Iron and Blood is a startlingly ambitious and absorbing book, encompassing five centuries of political, military, technological and economic change to tell the story of the German-speaking lands, from the Rhine to the Balkan frontier, from Switzerland to the North Sea. Wilson's narrative considers everything from weapons development to recruitment to battlefield strategy.

Germans' military impact on the rest of Europe has been immense. If there is one constant it has been the sense of being beset by seemingly more powerful enemies - France or Russia or Turkey - and the need to strike a rapid knockout blow to ensure a favourable result. Almost inevitably, this has in practice meant protracted, relentless and often unwinnable wars, and - in 1939-1945 - moral catastrophe.

The author of definitive books on the Holy Roman Empire and the Thirty Years War, Peter Wilson has with Iron and Blood written his masterpiece.

'Hugely impressive' Richard J. Evans, Times Literary Supplement

Editions of Iron and Blood

Paperback
ISBN 9780141988887
EBook
ISBN 9780241355572
AudioStreaming
ISBN 9780241604496

Read an Excerpt

*WINNER OF THE DUKE OF WELLINGTON MEDAL FOR MILITARY HISTORY*
*A DAILY TELEGRAPH BOOK OF THE YEAR 2022*

'No one interested in the history of Europe can afford not to read this stupendous book' Simon Heffer, Daily Telegraph

Iron and Blood is a startlingly ambitious and absorbing book, encompassing five centuries of political, military, technological and economic change to tell the story of the German-speaking lands, from the Rhine to the Balkan frontier, from Switzerland to the North Sea. Wilson's narrative considers everything from weapons development to recruitment to battlefield strategy.

Germans' military impact on the rest of Europe has been immense. If there is one constant it has been the sense of being beset by seemingly more powerful enemies - France or Russia or Turkey - and the need to strike a rapid knockout blow to ensure a favourable result. Almost inevitably, this has in practice meant protracted, relentless and often unwinnable wars, and - in 1939-1945 - moral catastrophe.

The author of definitive books on the Holy Roman Empire and the Thirty Years War, Peter Wilson has with Iron and Blood written his masterpiece.

'Hugely impressive' Richard J. Evans, Times Literary Supplement

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Iron and Blood about?

*WINNER OF THE DUKE OF WELLINGTON MEDAL FOR MILITARY HISTORY*
*A DAILY TELEGRAPH BOOK OF THE YEAR 2022*

'No one interested in the history of Europe can afford not to read this stupendous book' Simon Heffer, Daily Telegraph

Iron and Blood is a startlingly ambitious and absorbing book, encompassing five centuries of political, military, technological and economic change to tell the story of the German-speaking lands, from the Rhine to the Balkan frontier, from Switzerland to the North Sea. Wilson's narrative considers everything from weapons development to recruitment to battlefield strategy.

Germans' military impact on the rest of Europe has been immense. If there is one constant it has been the sense of being beset by seemingly more powerful enemies - France or Russia or Turkey - and the need to strike a rapid knockout blow to ensure a favourable result. Almost inevitably, this has in practice meant protracted, relentless and often unwinnable wars, and - in 1939-1945 - moral catastrophe.

The author of definitive books on the Holy Roman Empire and the Thirty Years War, Peter Wilson has with Iron and Blood written his masterpiece.

'Hugely impressive' Richard J. Evans, Times Literary Supplement

What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in Iron and Blood?

History and Archaeology > History > European history

Where can I read a sample of Iron and Blood?

You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9780141988887

Who is/are the Author/s of the book Iron and Blood?

Peter H. Wilson

Who is the Publisher of the book Iron and Blood?

Penguin Books Ltd

What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?

Iron and Blood is available as paperback(ISBN 9780141988887) and ebook(ISBN 9780241355572) and audiostreaming(ISBN 9780241604496)

Where can I buy Iron and Blood online or support local independent bookshops?

You can buy Iron and Blood from below

Where can I buy Iron and Blood?