Carnage and Culture Audiobook By Victor Davis Hanson cover art

Carnage and Culture

Landmark Battles in the Rise to Western Power

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Carnage and Culture

By: Victor Davis Hanson
Narrated by: Bob Souer
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Examining nine landmark battles from ancient to modern times - from Salamis, where outnumbered Greeks devastated the slave army of Xerxes, to Cortes' conquest of Mexico to the Tet offensive - Victor Davis Hanson explains why the armies of the West have been the most lethal and effective of any fighting forces in the world.

Looking beyond popular explanations such as geography or superior technology, Hanson argues that it is in fact Western culture and values - the tradition of dissent, the value placed on inventiveness and adaptation, the concept of citizenship - which have consistently produced superior arms and soldiers. Offering riveting battle narratives and a balanced perspective that avoids simple triumphalism, Carnage and Culture demonstrates how armies cannot be separated from the cultures that produce them and explains why an army produced by a free culture will always have the advantage.

©2001 Victor Davis Hanson (P)2019 Tantor Anthropology Comparative Military Political Science Politics & Government Thought-Provoking Imperialism Latin America Middle Ages Africa Ancient History Imperial Japan Middle East Self-Determination Capitalism
Detailed Historical Analysis • Insightful Cultural Perspectives • Perfect Narrator • Engaging Military History
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More proof that The West is The Best! Great analysis and history! You won't be disappointed!

Read this book!

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An excellent treatise that connects the western world in a way that makes clear the path to western current style of warfare and the basic tenants and values that make it possible.

Fact filled description of evolution of western warfare.

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I love VDH’s thought processes and insights. He brings together complexities into easy to understand and very relevant modern conclusions. It’s clear, given history back to the 400s BC, that America and the West need to fight for the First & Second Amendments (among others), free market capitalism, and the Constitution in order to benefit the world. Non-Westerners haven’t had these things and the people suffered because of it.

Great Compendium of Battles

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World History from a Vantage Point.
EXCELLENT. SHOULD BE REQUIRED READING FOR EVERY COLLEGE GRADUATE.

The WAY we are Because ....

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will re-listen to on audible. excellent historical research deep dives into major battles and struggles

great history!

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Absolutely incredible read that vividly takes you through several battles throughout history, as well as the cultures that supported either side, and how the Western culture prevailed in the end. Not necessarily winning militarily, but how Western culture perseveres over other cultures with its societal liberties, that lead it to final victory.

A well supported thesis

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If you have any interest in military history at all you must read this book.

Read this book

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One of the best writers and thinkers alive. Comprehensive look at select warfare and how democracies and free societies succeed and why. Highly recommended.

Victor Davis Hanson is a treasure

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Superbly researched and factually detailed with brilliant analyses of landmark battles. In a word: Brilliant!

Wow! This truly is a great book. A rarity!

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His views and Jared diamonds are able to line up really well together, even if they don’t think so

It’s hard not to find his thesis compelling

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