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Book Summary
Mahan's Permanent Fortifications is a classic 19th-century military engineering text, revised by James Mercur, detailing the design, construction, and defense of permanent fortifications. It covers masonry and earthworks, bastions, polygonal systems, and the principles of fortification layout. Essential for military historians, engineers, and war-gaming enthusiasts, this reprint preserves a foundational work on static defense.
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About MAHAN'S PERMANENT FORTIFICATIONSRev...
Originally written by Dennis Hart Mahan, a influential professor at West Point, and later revised and enlarged by James Mercur, this book is a comprehensive treatise on permanent fortifications. It systematically explains the principles of fortification design, including the bastion and polygonal systems, the construction of walls, ditches, and outworks, and the considerations for artillery placement and defense. The text delves into both masonry and earthwork fortifications, offering detailed diagrams and technical descriptions. While rooted in pre-20th-century warfare, it remains a valuable historical document for understanding military architecture and engineering. This edition, part of a reprint series, makes a classic reference accessible to modern readers interested in military history, engineering, and the evolution of defensive structures.
Who should read MAHAN'S PERMANENT FORTIFICATIONSRev...?
This book is ideal for military history enthusiasts, especially those interested in 19th-century warfare and engineering. Students of military architecture and fortification design will find it a foundational text. Professional and amateur engineers, as well as historical reenactors and wargamers, can benefit from its technical details. It also suits readers curious about West Point's curriculum and the intellectual underpinnings of Civil War-era engineering.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓ Authoritative classic by a renowned military engineer
- ✓ Detailed technical descriptions and diagrams
- ✓ Covers both bastion and polygonal fortification systems
- ✓ Revised and enlarged edition adds value
- ✓ Historical insight into 19th-century military engineering
Cons
- ✗ Dated content focused on pre-20th-century warfare
- ✗ Technical language may be dense for general readers
- ✗ Lack of modern context or updates
- ✗ Reprint quality may vary; diagrams could be unclear
- ✗ Not directly applicable to modern military tactics
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Frequently asked questions
Is this book suitable for beginners?
It is somewhat technical, but motivated beginners with an interest in military history can follow it, especially with the aid of diagrams.
Does it cover modern fortifications?
No, it focuses on 19th-century and earlier permanent fortifications, primarily masonry and earthworks.
Who was Dennis Hart Mahan?
He was a professor at West Point and a leading military engineer whose works influenced many Civil War officers.
Is this a reprint of an old book?
Yes, it is a modern reprint of the revised edition by James Mercur, preserving the original text.
Are there illustrations?
The original edition included diagrams and plans; this reprint aims to reproduce them, though quality may vary.
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