John Keegan Quotes
John Keegan (1934-2012) was a British military historian and author. He is best known for his book The Face of Battle (1976), which revolutionized the way military history is studied and written. He wrote several other books, including The Second World War (1989), Warpaths (1995), and The First Worl…Read More
John Keegan (1934-2012) was a British military historian and author. He is best known for his book The Face of Battle (1976), which revolutionized the way military history is studied and written. He wrote several other books, including The Second World War (1989), Warpaths (1995), and The First World War (1998). He was a Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature and a Fellow of the British Academy. He was awarded the Order of Merit in 2000.Read Less
John Keegan (1934-2012) was a British military historian and author. He is best known for his book The Face of Battle (1976), which revolutionized the way military history is studied and written. He wrote several other books, including The Second World War (1989), Warpaths (1995), and The First World War (1998). He was a Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature and a Fellow of the British Academy. He was awarded the Order of Merit in 2000.
John Keegan Career Highlights
- Keegan began his career as a lecturer at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in 1960, where he taught military history for six years.
- In 1963, he published his first book, “The Face of Battle,” which became a bestseller and established him as a leading military historian.
- In 1970, he joined the staff of the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst as a Senior Lecturer in Military History.
- In 1986, he became the Defence Editor of The Daily Telegraph, a position he held until 1998.
- Keegan was a Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature and a Fellow of the Royal Historical Society.
- He was also a member of the editorial board of the International Institute for Strategic Studies and a Fellow of the British Academy.
- In 1998, he was knighted for his services to military history and journalism.
Key Contributions by John Keegan
- Keegan’s most significant contribution was his unique approach to military history, which focused on the experience of soldiers and the impact of war on society rather than just the strategic and political aspects.
- He challenged traditional military history by incorporating social, cultural, and psychological factors into his analysis.
- Keegan’s books, including “The Face of Battle,” “The Mask of Command,” and “A History of Warfare,” have been widely praised for their accessibility and engaging writing style.
- He also wrote for various publications, including The Daily Telegraph, The Times, and The New York Review of Books, and was a frequent commentator on television and radio programs.
What Sets John Keegan Apart
- Keegan’s extensive knowledge and understanding of military history, combined with his ability to communicate complex ideas in a clear and engaging manner, set him apart from other historians.
- He was not afraid to challenge conventional wisdom and offer new perspectives on historical events.
- Keegan’s background as a journalist also gave him a unique perspective, allowing him to bridge the gap between academia and the general public.
Takeaways
- John Keegan’s career highlights the importance of interdisciplinary approaches in understanding history.
- His work has influenced not only military historians but also scholars in other fields, such as sociology and psychology.
- Keegan’s emphasis on the human experience of war serves as a reminder of the impact of conflict on individuals and society as a whole.
- His accessible writing style has made military history more accessible to a wider audience, sparking interest and discussion on the subject.
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