From the American war in Vietnam to the Russian war in Afghanistan, from the British occupation of Northern Ireland to the American occupation of Iraq, "small wars"-which include guerilla warfare and other asymmetrical combat-have been a staple of the geopolitical arena of the post-World War II globe. But it was a contingency before the World Wars that demanded advanced preparation in the areas of strategy, logistics, and other military concerns, too.

In this classic 1896 book, Anglo-Irish military writer MAJOR GENERAL SIR CHARLES EDWARD CALLWELL (1859-1928) drew on his service in the British army to create the first modern guide to the "small war." From the causes of small wars, which impacts how they will be fought, to the characteristics of guerilla warfare to nitty-gritty details on the best tactics to employ over various terrain, this is a gripping instruction manual for deploying the "boldness and vigour" required to win a small war.

History buffs, wargamers, and armchair military enthusiasts should consider this essential reading.