The Hinge Factor: How Chance and Stupidity Have Changed HistoryFrom the wooden horse of Troy to the Gulf War, military history has been as much marked by chance and error, as by gallantry and heroism. Many conflicts have been decided by the caprice of weather, bad intelligence, heroism where it wasn't expected, or individual incompetence. In military terms, the incident that can swing a battle from victory to defeat in a moment is known as the Hinge Factor. THE HINGE FACTOR vividly describes battles which demonstrate this phenomenon - including the circumstances behind the loss of the Holy Cross, through to the attack of African war bees in 1914, to Star Wars weaponry described in the Gulf War. This enthralling book demystifies the general belief that battles are always won due to the brilliance of a general and will both inform and entertain a wide audience. |
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LibraryThing Review
User Review - DinadansFriend - LibraryThingThis is a sad attempt to create a factoid book of military ironies. Mr. Durschmied has survived a good deal of time in dangerous places, but, alas, he's not a striking stylist, nor do I find the bulk ... Read full review
LibraryThing Review
User Review - Bill_Masom - LibraryThingNot really a coherent book. And I hated when he would show off his linguistic skills. When you are trying to make a point, and do it in a foreign language, then fail to translate it, it just comes off ... Read full review
Other editions - View all
The Hinge Factor: How Chance and Stupidity Have Changed History Erik Durschmied Limited preview - 2000 |
The Hinge Factor: How Chance and Stupidity Have Changed History Erik Durschmied Limited preview - 2011 |