Includes bibliographical references and index.

List of Illustrations -- Preface -- 1. Early Life and Career -- 2. Bosnia and Aftermath -- 3. Teacher and Writer -- 4. On the Italian Frontier -- 5. Chief of the General Staff -- 6. Scandal and Crisis -- 7. Disaster -- 8. Love and War -- 9. Twilight -- Epilogue: Life after Death -- Bibliography -- Maps -- Index.

Did you ever wonder how and why Franz Conrad von Hötzendorf (1852-1925) earned his reputation for brilliance, while failing so miserably during the First World War? In examining Conrad's life and career, including his years as a military writer, teacher of tactics, and a peacetime troop commander before 1906, this first modern biography offers a fascinating and impressive explanation of his thoughts and actions. Franz Conrad von Hötzendorf (1852-1925) served as Austro-Hungarian chief of the general staff between 1906 and 1917, and was a leading figure in the origins and conduct of the First World War. In no other country did a single general serve as the leading prewar tactician, prewar and wartime strategist, and wartime army commander. Because Conrad filled all of these roles in Austria-Hungary, he had no equal among the military men leading the old order of Europe to destruction in 1914-1918.

Description based on print version record.