A typical war book, this one is filled with a wealth of information regarding the conflict between Russia and Japan. It delves into the details of the various issues and problems that were faced during that time. This well-detailed book would prove to be extremely useful for students of History at the College or University level. It is also a great read for those who are simply interested in Military history. I, for one, really like it. I didn't know a great deal about this conflict until I picked up and read this book. It is well written, making it easy to read. The story format is clear and not overly complicated, and there are no editorial errors to be found. In conclusion, it is a good war book that offers valuable insights into an important historical conflict.

This is an outstanding book that delves into a rather lesser-known topic.

The maps included in it are truly remarkable, providing a vivid visual aid that enhances the understanding of the subject matter.

The writing style is engaging and captivating, making it a pleasure to read.

Moreover, the book offers comprehensive coverage of an intriguing war, presenting various aspects and perspectives.

It not only provides historical facts but also delves into the human stories and experiences behind the events.

Overall, I would highly recommend this book to anyone interested in history or looking to explore a new and fascinating subject.

It is a valuable addition to any bookshelf and is sure to provide hours of educational and enjoyable reading.

Whether you are a history enthusiast or simply curious, this book is well worth your time and attention.

Don't miss out on the opportunity to discover this hidden gem of a book.

The subject matter wasn't that interesting at first glance.

However, Geoffrey Jukes' conclusions made me realize that this book holds great significance for those eager to delve deeper into the First World War, also known as The Great War. Jukes comprehensively discussed the war, covering aspects such as why it occurred, the events that led up to it, the various battles, the political and military leaders involved, and even the mutinies and their causes.

For an Osprey/Essential Histories book, it accomplished its intended purpose: summarizing the war within less than 100 pages. It was equipped with maps and photos, as well as an analysis of the generals' strategies and their levels of success.

What truly appealed to me about this book was its exploration of the impact the war had on military strategy and thinking during the First World War. Military observers from the major powers who accompanied both belligerents reached conclusions that would prove fatal for hundreds of thousands of soldiers ten years later. They believed that Japan won the war due to their right attitude and superior spirit of "Attack! Attack! Attack!"

Unfortunately, there is more to it than just attitude. Especially when a company of men is sent into a full frontal attack, only to be obstructed by barbed wire, trenches, and machine guns as they charge up a hill or across a field. "You failed? That's because you had the wrong attitude. You need to try harder.... you need more discipline. Meanwhile, we'll use more cavalry to outflank our enemies." This strategy may work when the enemy has thin lines, but when the enemy is heavily concentrated everywhere, as was the case on the western front ten years later, it becomes ineffective.

This war led to overconfidence among the generals and the senseless slaughter of the common soldier. Sadly, businesses today often employ the same flawed strategy. If your company isn't performing well and your workers are struggling with their tasks, the response is often, "Why - it's their attitude. They lack discipline! They need to go out there and attack! Attack! Attack!"

That's how books on war should be written!

I was truly impressed by this one. What I especially liked was the inclusion of simple-yet-comprehensible maps for every major military encounter mentioned. Although one of the maps was placed a few pages later than it should have been, all the others were exactly in their correct positions, which is really praiseworthy. (Not all military history books pay attention to such "details", and worse, not all even include maps!)

However, the best aspect of this book is that it doesn't exclude the novice. You don't need to know literally anything about the actors, the political context, or the military technology of the era to understand everything written and enjoy reading it. In this regard, the author has done a superb job. Of course, if you are familiar with all these things, it's even better.

Mind you, though, that there aren't any photos. So, if you want to have a look at General Nogi's face, or if you're interested in how the fortifications at Port Arthur looked from a first-person perspective, etc., you'll just have to search for it on Google.

A very detailed compendium of the Russo-Japanese War of 1904/05. The author pays particular attention to the military-strategic aspect, but political and social considerations are not foreign. The event itself is quite interesting as, in some ways, it can be considered the first modern war, especially from a naval perspective (for the first time all the vessels involved were made of metal).

It fascinates a certain Japanese spiritualism that will be the basis of the driving nationalism of World War II, while the actions of the Russian counterpart explain quite well why the Tsarist Russian society was in decline.

An interesting read that has served to fill my almost total ignorance of one of the most important conflicts of the 20th century.

This war had a profound impact on the geopolitical格局 of the time. It not only changed the balance of power in East Asia but also had far-reaching consequences for the development of both Russia and Japan. The naval battles, in particular, were a showcase of modern military technology and tactics.

The Japanese victory was a significant milestone in their rise as a major power, while the Russian defeat led to internal unrest and ultimately contributed to the downfall of the Tsarist regime. Overall, this compendium provides a valuable insight into this important historical event.

This is a very nice overview of this war which has mostly been under studied.

It provides a comprehensive look at the various aspects of the conflict, presenting information in an engaging and accessible manner.

The author has done a great job of highlighting the key events and issues, making it a nice and enjoyable read.

Whether you are a history enthusiast or simply interested in learning more about this particular war, this overview is highly recommended.

It offers valuable insights and perspectives that will enhance your understanding of this often overlooked period in history.

So, if you are looking for a well-written and informative piece on this under studied war, give this overview a try. You won't be disappointed.

This is a good overview of a war that had significant consequences for both Russia and Japan.

I had previously read a book specifically about Tsushima, which made me well aware of many of the problems that the Russians encountered. However, this particular book has further enhanced my knowledge by also delving into the details of the land fighting.

One aspect that I truly appreciate is the inclusion of the fine maps. So many books tend to overlook these vital assets that can greatly enhance the understanding of the story.

The maps in this book provide a clear visual representation of the battlefields and the movements of the troops, making it easier to follow the complex events that took place during the war.

Overall, this book offers a comprehensive and engaging account of a war that had a profound impact on the history of both Russia and Japan. It is a valuable addition to my collection and I would highly recommend it to anyone interested in this topic.

This article provides a very clear telling of the land and sea battles for this important yet sometimes obscure conflict.

It offers detailed accounts of the various military operations that took place, shedding light on a conflict that may not always be in the spotlight.

However, there is one area where there are some redundancies. The author seems to repeat certain points or details, which could potentially be streamlined to make the article even more concise and engaging.

Overall, though, the article is very clear and informative. It provides a valuable resource for those interested in learning more about this particular conflict and the battles that defined it.

The descriptions of the land and sea battles are vivid and detailed, allowing readers to gain a better understanding of the strategies and tactics employed by the various forces involved.

Despite the minor issue of redundancies, this article is a great read for anyone looking to expand their knowledge of military history.

This book offers a wealth of detail that distinguishes it from a mere Spark Notes summary of the Russo-Japanese War. In the typical Osprey style, it presents a concise overview of the essential who's and when's.

It provides a comprehensive look at this conflict, which had a profound impact on the relationship between European and Asian powers. It set Japan on the path to becoming the most confrontational Asian power in the first half of the 20th century.

The book leans slightly more towards the army than the navy, but it still contains ample coverage of the Battle of Tsushima, enabling readers to understand its crucial significance. Overall, it is a valuable resource for those interested in this important historical event.

So, as is the case with all Osprey books, it has a restricted amount of coverage regarding the actual events. However, this particular one is significantly better than most. To such an extent that while I was perusing it, I looked up the author and discovered that I had read several books by him, mainly from the original Ballantine World in Conflict series. And those were books that left a lasting impression on me. For a rapid overview of this early appearance of the Japanese on the world stage, this is an excellent book for that purpose.

Nevertheless, it is still limited by the format, so it can't be better than a three.

This is a very good and concise account of what some consider to be a forgotten war of the early 20th century.

The war in question, often overlooked in the annals of history, had a significant impact on the geopolitical landscape of the time.

It involved complex political, economic, and social factors that contributed to its outbreak and escalation.

Despite its importance, it has received relatively little attention compared to other major conflicts of the 20th century.

This concise account aims to shed some light on this forgotten war, providing a brief overview of its causes, key events, and consequences.

By doing so, it hopes to encourage further research and study into this often-neglected period of history.

I purchased this book online, firmly believing that it was a comprehensive volume rather than a mere Cliff Notes version of the Russo-Japanese War.

However, when it arrived in the mail, I couldn't help but feel a tinge of disappointment.

While it was better than having nothing at all, it only offers the most cursory overview of the war.

In essence, this is nothing more than an elongated magazine article.

It lacks the depth and detail that one would expect from a proper historical account of such a significant conflict.

The author seems to have skimmed over many important aspects, leaving the reader with a rather shallow understanding of the events that took place.

Perhaps if I had known what to expect beforehand, I wouldn't have been so disappointed.

But as it stands, this book has left me feeling somewhat unsatisfied.