Best War Books Of All Time To Read Today
History provides us a window into our past, giving us insight on noteworthy events that shaped the world as we know it today. War books capture stories of heroism, tragedy, and sacrifice in every form imaginable. From colorful stories to more technical works, there are a variety books to explore. Whether you are looking for a fiction read or a factual account for your historical research, there is a war book for everyone.
Here are 10 of the best war books of all time to read today:
- The Red Badge of Courage – Stephen Crane
This 1895 novel by American writer Stephen Crane details the story of a young private in the US civil war. The backdrop of a civil war landscape, accompanied by Crane’s hauntingly powerful writing paints a vivid picture of the soldier’s journey. Through this story, we witness the transformation of a scared young worrier to a more mature, humble man.
- War and Peace – Leo Tolstoy
Widely considered one of the greatest novels of all time, War and Peace offers a sprawling look at imperial Russian society during the Napoleonic Wars. Through a complex narrative, we follow the families of Bolkonsky and Rostov, depicting war, relationships, and societal pressures in a way that has yet to be equaled.
- All Quiet On The Western Front – Erich Maria Remarque
This 1929 novel tells the story of an unnamed German soldier during World War I. We observe the gradual dehumanization of our protagonist due to the assaults on morality, humanity, and personal relationships. Remarque’s gripping dark story shows us a snapshot of life during WWI in a way not seen before.
- The Warriors: The Making of the War Horses – Gerri Middleton
The Warriors is a non-fiction work that looks at the World War I infantry, who rode into battle atop their trusty steeds. Through a captivating story, we witness the fear, hunger, exhaustion and suffering endured by these French and British cavalry leaders.
- The Weaponmakers – Philip K. Dick
This futuristic sci-fi war novel by Philip K. Dick explores an outdated war amidst rocky planets and desolate space. The Weaponmakers follows the journey of two protagonists, caught up in an absurd war that no one fully understands. With excessive action and an ingenious plotline, this engaging novel is one that most definitely shouldn’t be missed.
- Slaughterhouse-Five – Kurt Vonnegut
This 1969 anti-war novel follows the often confusing narrative of protagonist Billy, a soldier in the German war camp of Dresden. Vonnegut oscillates between past and present, revealing what he experienced in Dresden during World War II. This work offers an insightful and often stark look into wartime atrocities.
- The Caine Mutiny – Herman Wouk
Herman Wouk’s Pulitzer winner is an engaging story set on a US Navy warship, four years into World War II. The story follows the mutiny of the USS Caine and its captain Philip Queeg (portrayed by Humphrey Bogart in the movie adaptation.) It captures the chaos on board and is a classic story of heroism and tragedy.
- The Crossing – Winston Churchill
In this 1936 work, Winston Churchill offers readers a fascinating look into World War One. Along with a collection of factual accounts of the time, Churchill weaves a narrative of tragedy and redemption. This gripping page-turner captures the spirit of daring wartime bravery and the themes of sacrifice and courage.
- The Longest Day – Cornelius Ryan
Packed with extensive research and compelling stories, this 1959 best-seller explores the 1944 D-day invasion of Normandy. It details the intricate planning, studies of weather reports, and the brutality of war up close. The Longest Day follows the lives of the soldiers, both the Allied and Axis forces, who experienced the D-day invasion first-hand.
- MASH – Richard Hooker
This 1968 novel follows the lives of 3 surgeons and the other medical personnel of the 8063rd during the Korean War. Even though the novel isn’t in line with the movie and television series, it still manages to capture the devastating toll which war can take on the mind. MASH humorously presents the chaos of war – its unexpected moments, unlikely friendships, and the immense pain endured.
From adventure to science fiction, these ten books offer a glimpse into war and its realities while also presenting unique stories that are rarely ever seen. The Red Badge of Courage, War and Peace, MASH, and the other novels on this list are, to this day, some of the most engrossing war stories that have been written. Pick up one of these books today, and relive the true stories that have inspired generations of readers.