PREFACE TO THE FIRST EDITION THE finding of an appropriate title is often quite as difficult as the writing of a book. It is not exactly tactics, nor strategy, nor a systematic exposition of the art of war which forms the subject of the following pages; and now that they lie before me in a complete form, I am verily at a loss as to what to call them. A title must, however, be found, which, while aptly indicating the scope, will not hold out a promise of more than can be performed. Since my book deals with the affairs of the nation in arms, to whose sentiments it is intended to appeal, it shall be entitled accordingly— “THE NATION IN ARMS:" a poetical expression, as well as an apothegm worthy of a king, uttered in critical times. "The Prussian Army will, in the future, also be the Prussian Nation in Arms." Thus ran our King's pronouncement in the Speech from the Throne on the 12th January, 1860, which has subsequently been realized, has been hallowed in three great wars, and has become the keynote of the development of the armies of our own time. To the furtherance of the same object be the following reflections dedicated, and may they serve to kindle in all German hearts a true appreciation of the phrase, "A Nation in Arms." FRIEDENAU, NEAR BERLIN May 1883 THE AUTHOR 326610 |