War has been one of the most destructive and decisive forces in world history. But how do wars begin? Taylor examines eight major conflicts, from the Napoleonic era to the Cold War, discussing the motives and personalities behind the decisions to go to war. Some wars had a long background, whilst others were brought about by the overweening ambitions of a single man - Napoleon at the beginning of the period, Hitler towards the end. Public opinion, secret diplomacy, jingoism, armament manufacturers, and even historians, have all played a role in setting nation against nation. How Wars Begin is a brilliant examination of one of the most challenging of all historical issues from one of the greatest historians of his generation.