Printed by Oxford University Press, 1990
Introduction by John Keegan (i-xxiii)
ISBN 0-19-506588-3, LC # U33.H36 1989
244 pages, contents, indexed introduction, preface, abbreviations, with chronological table and bibliography
Price $9.50

It is interesting how good authors can succinctly confine to some 244 pages in 19 relatively short chapters so much valuable insight and information. This is the hallmark that defines good history writing, taking history from the mundane rewriting of the usual secondary sources, which is so common today, to the positive insightful and informative interpretation of primary sources in a readable fashion.

Unlike T.A. Dodge who gorges the reader with information and insight in large volumes, Dr. Hanson leaves the reader equally informed but with much less detail. Dr. Hanson wishes to leave the read with flavor and not detail.

Initially after reading "The Western Way of War," I perceived that a gifted doctoral thesis had been done. Not wishing to judge a book by its cover I did not bother to read the back cover that lists review quotations and ends with a brief paragraphs revealing Hanson's credentials. After using Hanson's work in researching the hoplite period I also discovered at least six other works by Dr. Hanson listed on the web. These are on order.

John Keegan aptly points out that Dr. Hanson closes on the dark side of warfare in western history with modern man learning little from the previous lessons of history and worse yet twisting the values of why western man fights. But not with standing the work's greatest value is one of insight. Dr. Hanson carefully defines Greek hoplite battle by breaking down its components. Hanson first establishes a perspective of warfare for the Greek hoplite and then develops the battle experience itself. This experience begins with the armor; some of its development, its use, its weight; all from the wearer's vantage point.

Phalanx as Family

The phalanx of the hoplite is viewed as a family and friend organization. An expression of society to make war not so much a thing to be avoided as much as a thing to finished quickly and decisively. It is with the use of primary sources that Dr. Hanson cleverly reveals what it was like psychologically and physically to be a member of a phalanx.

In following chapter Dr. Hanson reveals the significance of leadership to the phalanx. Leadership that lead the way. Again it is through citation of sources and interpretation that a clear picture of what a commander of the phalanx was required to do. Here the author clearly details the value, the obstacles and the finality of the hoplite commander.

The morale of the hoplite is developed quite nicely bringing home the significance of the shared experience of Greek society. The "regimental system" gains a greater import than other sources have revealed.

Best in Battle

The best chapters deal with the actual parts of the battle, the charge, the collision, the cohesion and attrition and then the confusion of battle. The remaining post battle chapters deal in depth with wounds, the pursuit and its path of destruction.

The Epilogue details the significance not of battles but the significance of battle to the hoplite Greek. The battle to the hoplite is a thing that defines his position in society (his position within the phalanx with family and friends) and his resolution to determine a marked finish as witnessed by winning or losing a battle. A battle finished declares to all that the larger political issue is concluded from that point on.

Dr. Hanson darkly concludes that this simplicity has been lost to us today. He also concludes that methods of warfare are reflective of societies and that that of the Greek hoplite was somehow purer; the clash of hoplites was not complicated. The arrays that faced off were simple organizations with simple short term purposes. The hoplite realities during those clashes were pure and simple-win or loose by force of arms. Victory was resolution of political desire determined by one simple event: the battle fought then and there.

Would I recommend this work? The answer is most certainly. The value of "The Western Way of War" is its insight first and foremost. The details contained here as to arms, armor and the application of specific tactics is invaluable and sustained by careful research. This book should be considered a best buy for authoritative writing on the Greek hoplite.

Hanson's other works, "Warfare and Agriculture in Classical Greece" and "Hoplites: the Ancient Greek Battle Experience."

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