Military and history buffs everywhere have debated these and hundreds of other questions for years. Extreme War provides well-reasoned and documented answers; and explores the heroes and the hapless, the finest hours and worst blunders the military world has yet seen through every period of warfare, from ancient times to the 21st century, all brought together in one illustrated volume. The topics are examined in fascinating detail, with careful analysis of how and why each leader, weapon, battle, or tactic came to fame--or infamy. Not without controversy, and sure to start as many discussions as it settles, Extreme War brings compelling detail and rare clarity to the chaos that is combat.