The Children’s Illustrated Clausewitz, Volume 1

Caitlin Fitz Gerald

Bibliographic Information

Title: The Children’s Illustrated Clausewitz, Volume I
Author: Caitlin Fitz Gerald
Date of publication: 2021
Format: Hardcover, 8.5 × 11 inches (216 × 279 mm)
Pages: 136
Language: English
ISBN: 978-1-911683-00-1

The Children’s Illustrated Clausewitz, whilst improbable, is just what it sounds like: an illustrated re-telling of 19th-century Prussian officer Carl von Clausewitz’s seminal strategy treatise, On War. 

Author and illustrator Caitlin Fitz Gerald expresses Clausewitz’s ideas through accessible language, making this ordinarily dense text a joy to read for children and adults alike. Framed as a class taught by ‘Hare’ Clausewitz to a group of woodland creatures in an idyllic forest setting, the text that strives to preserve the essence of Clausewitz’s ideas whilst delivering them using simplified language, supported by beautiful colour illustrations.

Volume I is an interpretation of the first three books of On War, which cover the nature of war, the theory of war, and strategy. Printed and bound in high-quality materials, The Children’s Illustrated Clausewitz is an astonishingly original work that you will be proud to share with your children—or purchase for yourself!

“Clausewitz can be a dense read. Fitzgerald converted the venerable Prussian theorist to schoolyard teacher "Hare Clausewitz" and a menagerie of animal students, making it far more accessible. The chapters are digestible, beautifully and charmingly illustrated, and the conversational format is great for reading out loud.”
― Kelsey Atherton

“Beautiful work that was years in the making, all in a really stunning, well-produced package. Recommended for your favorite nerd (and their kids).”
― J.M.

“…I wish I had it on hand when I was studying CvC at staff college because it would have been super useful. On War may be the seminal book on strategy but it is not great reading. This version is much better.”
― Abby