부산대학교 도서관

Britain’s army evolved from a mishmash of part-time militias into a force that played a vital role in building the first British Empire in the 18th century. After fighting Napoleon to a standstill, the army was reduced to an imperial constabulary that fought, and mostly won, numerous colonial campaigns. In the 20th century the manpower needs of total war transformed the military into what Beckett (retired, Univ. of Kent, UK) calls “A People’s Army,” which after 1945 was once again reduced to a small constabulary force that was still expected to project British power around the world. Throughout its history the army was subjected to severe budgetary constraints and administrative chaos. Beckett demonstrates how politics, including a pervasive hostility to the very idea of a standing army, shaped military policy. The contemporary army has struggled to meet recruitment goals, especially in the post-1960 era, which has a negative effect on its ability to serve Britain’s strategic objectives. Readers unfamiliar with British history will sometimes have to pause to look up historical details, such as the Curragh incident (1914). Despite this limitation the book is a masterful synthesis. Summing Up: Recommended. General readers through graduate students.