"The Face of Battle"

"The Face of Battle," by John Keegan, explores how warfare is experienced by soldiers during combat, challenging traditional views that focus on strategy and technology. It examines the actual human experience—fear, chaos, and the physical realities soldiers face on the front lines—across three historic battles. Keegan emphasizes that understanding these personal experiences offers deeper insight into the nature of war, moving beyond tactics to appreciate the emotional and sensory realities soldiers endure. The book shifts the focus to the soldier’s perspective, making the history of battle more immediate and human.