Civil Wars

'In 'Civil Wars'? Mr Armitage traces the evolution of an explosive concept, not to pin down a proper meaning but to show why it remains so slippery'¦ The meaning of civil war, as Mr Armitage shows, is as messy and multifaceted as the conflict it describes. His book offers an illuminating guide through the 2,000-year muddle and does a good job of filling a conspicuous void in the literature of conflict.'?'The Economist, 10th February 2017'Armitage's goal, in this wide-ranging and informative book, is to examine the history of the idea of civil war as it has developed from the Romans until the present time'¦ He has given us a book that is full of insights.'?'John Gray, Literary Review, March 2017.  'Armitage's work is consistent and his goal is clear.'?'Ed Jones, LSE Review of Books'Given his stature in the academy, Armitage could have easily continued to write learned monographs on focused subjects. Instead, in an attempt to revitalize the historical discipline, he has risked the scorn of his colleagues by trying new methods. Both the impulse to try new ways of writing history and the finished product should be applauded. Armitage's approach might cause a revolution within the discipline. As he knows all too well, that revolution will be preceded by civil war.'?'Prof. John M. Collins, Reviews in History