INTELLIGENCE IN WAR Knowledge of the Enemy from Napoleon to Al-Qaeda

John Keegan’s provocative argument in his latest work of military history states that the role of intelligence in war has been largely overestimated. It may prolong or shorten battles, he says, but blood, rather than brains, makes the difference between victory and defeat. Keegan builds his case with a series of well-told narratives featuring Horatio Nelson, Stonewall Jackson, and four key battles in the First and Second World Wars. Richard Matthews narrates these skillfully; his flowing British accent perfectly complements Keegan’s rich prose. Together, writer and reader engage the listener with the book’s argument. Whether or not you agree with Keegan’s thesis, this is compelling historical debate. D.B. © AudioFile 2004, Portland, Maine [Published: APR/MAY 04]