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Deception has been an integral part of warfare since the people of Troy accepted a gift of a large wooden horse from the Acheans. However, although the ruse de guerre has always been an accepted part of the warrior’s art, it has usually been considered a feature of cunning on the part of an individual, rather than a fundamental and integral part of the command skills necessary for success. Although every successful general has used it at some point or other in his career, its practice has more often been overlooked and its effect neglected.
This book fills the gap in the understanding of the significance of deception in warfare and of its methodology; it explains the principles and methods involved on the battlefield at different levels and the factors upon which its success depends. The reader gains an immediate insight into what has previously appeared a haphazard and uncoordinated aspect of military science. At the same time, specific examples show the importance of deception to a wide variety of operations, not only on land but at sea and in the air. These examples are invariably entertaining. There is something delicious about not only beating an opponent, but doing so with an element of guile.
book reviews
- Osprey Military Journal
Compulsive reading ... Let us hope that this fine book is given the attention it deserves by the professionals, for it will surely entertain and inform the rest of us thoroughly. - Nicholas Lezard, The Guardian
[This is] the first modern full length (and public) study of deception in warfare. It is completely authoritative... [and] has not escaped the notice of the US military. At a talk... at the Joint Staff College, it was cited frequently. - The Washington Post
[A] skillful and sober book ... in detailed and well-chosen examples stretching from antiquity to the Gulf War, Latimer describes not only the steps taken to deceive military organizations throughout history but also the conditions of mind that allowed for the trickery to work. - Journal of the Society for Army Historical Research
This is a very well-written book and makes a very good read, not only in a cover to cover way, but also to dip into. Mr Latimer is to be congratulated on writing about what at first seems a difficult subject and making it very easy to understand. - Rhyl Prestatyn & Abergele Journal
A book that can justifiably claim to be the definitive work on the subject. - Birmingham Evening Mail
Jon Latimer’s engagingly written book, both punchy and well researched, shows that there is always a place for brains as well as brawn in warfare.
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