The Essential John Keegan: 10 Must-Read Books on War and Strategy

A handpicked selection of Keegan’s most impactful works, offering deep insights into war, intelligence, and command

John Keegan’s name is synonymous with military history, and this week, we are launching a new effort to spotlight an author’s body of work. While last week we featured a guest author discussing the inspiration behind his book in our Visiting Author series, this time, we are taking a different approach. Instead of focusing on a single book, we are highlighting the collected works of a historian who has shaped the way we understand war, strategy, and leadership. This series will provide a deeper look into an author’s contributions to military literature, helping readers explore key themes and ideas across multiple books.

John Keegan was one of the most influential military historians of the modern era, known for his ability to blend strategic analysis with the personal experiences of those who fought in history’s greatest conflicts. Over his career, he wrote extensively on warfare, from ancient battles to modern conflicts, offering fresh perspectives on leadership, tactics, and the human cost of war. In this installment, we present ten of Keegan’s most important works, covering topics such as World War I, World War II, military intelligence, and the evolution of battlefield strategy.

Whether examining the leadership styles of history’s greatest commanders or analyzing the turning points of global conflicts, Keegan’s books remain essential reading for anyone seeking to understand the art and reality of war.

We hope you enjoy this list!

The First World War

Publisher: Vintage; (May 16, 2000) Paperback 528 pages. Originally published in 1999.

John Keegan’s The First World War gives a detailed look at the war’s causes, major battles, and lasting impact, focusing on the experiences of those who fought. With a mix of strategy and storytelling, Keegan explains how the war shaped military tactics, global politics, and the modern world.