Masters of Command

Alexander, Hannibal, Caesar, and the Genius of Leadership

By: Barry Strauss

Narrated by: Michael Prichard

Alexander, Hannibal, Caesar: Each was a master of war. Each had to look beyond the battlefield to decide whom to fight and why; to know what victory was and when to end the war; to determine how to bring stability to the lands he conquered. Alexander, Hannibal, and Caesar had to be not only generals but statesmen. And yet each was a battlefield commander, a strategist, a leader of men - in short, a warrior.

Tactics change, weapons change, but the ultimate purpose of war remains much the same through the centuries, and a great warrior must know how to measure success. Publishers Weekly said: "No one presents the military history of the ancient world with greater insight and panache than Barry Strauss," and in Masters of Command he shows what these three great commanders can teach us today about ambition, leadership, branding, and more.

Understanding where Alexander, Hannibal, and Caesar succeeded and failed can serve anyone who thinks strategically - whether in business or elsewhere - to analyze his or her actions. Masters of Command is a guidebook for the battlefield and the boardroom alike.

©2012 Barry Strauss (P)2012 Tantor

Critic reviews

"Strauss sharpens our image of three brilliant commanders and makes military history great fun." ( Kirkus)

Very enjoyable listen

Great and interesting way to interweave the stories of Hannibal, Alexander, and Caesar. This allows for fascinating comparisons and contrasts among the three.

great analysis, and overview

I've had this book for quite a while. Haven't touched it saw it on audible, decided to listen to it rather than read it. This is still one of the best books I've read or listened to very deep analysis, understood perfectly what he meant, very concise. The switch between each character is very good. I like the comparisons. comparisons and strategies political aspects, we're very good. Well, docuated, at this book, giving examples of why they failed, or why they were victorious, it's made it entertaining

comprehensive review of three great generals

the advantage of this book is that it's so comprehensive in this comparison of Alexander the Great, Hannibal and Julius Caesar. it is definitely a book worth listening to and gives many important facts about these three great figures in history. my main criticism of the book is that it focuses too much on the author's opinions both negative and positive even when the facts do not really support his opinions. he does not make a good attempt to separate historical facts from his own personal opinions. for example is very controversial as to whether Hannibal should have tried to invade Rome itself but he States it as if it's proven fact that Hannibal's decision to not conquer room itself was a failure. even though the author repeatedly mentions that Hannibal was grossly outnumbered and that Rome had Legions of troops abroad that obviously would have returned to Italy had Hannibal put Rome Under Siege. under those circumstances Hannibal's greatest asset.. Mobility been lost. the author states that Hannibal's "failure" to invade Rome itself was a huge mistake. that is opinion not historical fact. The author does not make any attempt to separate his opinion from documented fact. this detracts from this otherwise excellent book full of facts and only partially stained by the presentation of some opinions as if they were proven fact.

needs a heading

good book
Amazon making me write review before I can get to my library

The lives of the 3 men were woven meticulously together. Excellent writing!

I enjoyed every minute of this book. After reading I am a more wholesome individual with not only a better understanding of history but of humans today.