Commanders: History's Greatest Military Leaders »

R.G. Grant is a history writer who has published more than 20 books, including titles on the Revolutionary War, World War I and II, and the Vietnam War. He's also the author of DK's Battle, Flight: 100 Years of Aviation, Warrior, and Battle at Sea.

From Alexander the Great's conquest of the known world to the generals leading today's campaigns in Afghanistan, Commanders casts new light on the leaders who have forged history on the battlefield. Focusing on the greatest leaders in naval, field, and aerial warfare, such as Julius Caesar, Napoleon, and Horatio Nelson, the book gives an at-a-glance overview of each commander's life, provides a timeline, key data, and a psychological profile outlining the commander's strengths and weaknesses. Commanders also follows great leaders from outside the Western tradition, including the great Chinese, Japanese, Indian, Native American, and African leaders, explaining who fought whom and why.