This book is the Pelvic Girdle of Peninsular War studies. If you don't have its support your argument will only be able to crawl, if move at all. Discussing a tool without the knowledge of how it is constructed severely limits your understanding of the uses to which it can be put. Some books have tried to replace it, but if your looking for bang for your buck, it's the deal. It's short on sociology, but most of those other books ignore the logistical support wing. take your choice. ( )