Why War?
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Why has warfare always been part of the human story?
From biology to belief, what explains the persistence of violent conflict?
What light can this shed on humanity’s past – and its future?
There can be few more important but also more contentious issues than attempting to understand the human propensity for conflict. Our history is inextricably tangled in wave after wave of inter-human fighting from as far back as we have records.
Repeatedly humans have foresworn war, have understood its appalling risks and have wished to create more pacific, productive societies. And yet almost inevitably circumstances emerge under which war once more seems inevitable or even desirable
How can we make sense of what Einstein called 'the dark places of human will and feeling'? Richard Overy draws on a lifetime's study of conflict to write this challenging account of how we can understand the causes of war. Looking at every facet of war from biology to belief, psychology to security, Overy allows readers to understand the many contradictory or self-reinforcing ways in which warfare can suddenly appear a legitimate option, and why it is likely to be part of our future as well as our past.
Important Notice: Temporary Suspension of U.S. Shipping
We are currently updating our shipping processes to comply with new U.S. import regulations. As a result, we are temporarily pausing all orders to the United States.
Subscriptions: If you have taken out a subscription, we currently anticipate that you will receive your upcoming titles as usual. If this changes, we will contact you directly via email.
We apologise for any inconvenience and thank you for your understanding. Please check back here for updates on when U.S. shipping will resume.
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Our deliveries are now carbon neutral.
Orders over £75* will qualify for FREE standard shipping within the UK.
|
Order value |
Under £25 |
£25 - £75 |
Over £75 |
Timescale |
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UK Standard |
£ 3.50 |
£ 5.00 |
FREE |
up to 7 Business Days |
Please allow 7 working days from the time you place your order to contact us about undelivered orders.
*does not include custom prints or custom clothing.
Local pick up
Local pick up is free and allows you to buy online and collect your items from our shop in St. Pancras (London) or from Reception in Boston Spa.
London
Orders placed before 3pm will be ready to collect from noon the following day (including weekends). Please ensure you check our opening times before coming to collect.
Boston Spa
Orders placed before 3pm will be ready to collect between 2 - 4 working days, though this is usually quicker.
Rest of the World orders
|
Order value |
Under £25 |
£25 - £50 |
£50 - £100 |
Over £100 |
Timescale |
|
Airmail |
£ 20 |
£ 30 |
£ 40 |
£ 50 |
Usually 2 - 4 weeks |
EU and Europe orders
Due to the new EU Regulation 2023/988 (GPSR), we are temporarily pausing shipments to Europe, including the Republic of Ireland. We understand this may be disappointing, and we are working to resume our services as soon as possible. Please check this page for updates.
For more detailed information click here