Archduke Carl of Austria lived during a time fractured by the collision of revolution and reaction, and he drew upon the French Revolution as the source for most of his experiences as a field commander and theoretician. He firmly believed that there were certain uncontradictable truths that governed warfare. This first English-language study of his theoretical writings offers a new perspective on understanding the mind of this military theorist through study of his intellectual background. The archduke's military career lasted from 1792 to 1809, and his serious work as a military theoretician and historian ranged from the 1790s to the 1830s.

Eysturlid explores Archduke Carl's formative military education and experiences by examining the readings that formed the basis of his education and the instructors that exercised an influence over him. Archduke Carl was a definite product of his Enlightenment education and a diehard proponent of limited warfare. Chapters look carefully at Carl's major works on military strategy and tactics and observe in detail his actions and efforts during the 1796 and 1809 campaigns. Two historiographical chapters provide valuable contextual material about this poorly understood historical figure.