This is an auction for THE IRAQ WAR: THE MILITARY OFFENSIVE, FROM VICTORY IN 21 DAYS TO THE INSURGENT AFTERMATH, by John Keegan.

"Keegan has long been revered as a brilliant military historian with a gift for recounting the individual experiences of battle while simultaneously explaining broader strategic objectives. However, this compact and superbly written work is not strictly a military history of "Operation Iraqi Freedom." Approximately half of the narrative focuses on the creation and evolution of the modern Iraqi state in the twentieth century. Keegan makes the compelling argument that Iraq, traditionally divided along religious, ethnic, and tribal lines, has never been a nation in the usually accepted sense of the term. The unity of Iraq has been maintained at gunpoint. The portrait here of Hussein is both fascinating and chilling, the author capturing the aura of paranoia and grandiose fantasy with which he surrounded himself. Keegan offers some tantalizing tidbits on the diplomatic manoeuvres as Washington moved toward war, and the Bush administration strived to patch together a "coalition." He describes the war itself with his usual elan and skill, drawing striking differences between this campaign and the Gulf War. As Keegan shows, in some areas the Iraqi military virtually melted away. Unfortunately, as we now see on a daily basis, many of their small arms either went with them or fell into the hands of more committed fighters. Essential reading for understanding the on-going conflict."

• Booklist (US)

Very favourable reviews on Amazon.com.

Hardback 2004.

254 pages + photographs.

Near new condition.

The cost of shipping is $5.50.

There is of course no charge for shipping if you collect this book from my shop in Palmerston North following the auction.

Payment within seven days, please.