On War Summary of Key Points

On War’ is a seminal work on military strategy and tactics written by Prussian general Carl von Clausewitz. Originally published posthumously in the 19th century, it is composed of eight books. The text delves into the theory and philosophy of warfare, examining its moral and psychological aspects, the nature of the enemy, and the interplay between politics and war. It is best known for its assertion that ‘war is the continuation of politics by other means,’ emphasizing that war is not an isolated act.

A River in Darkness Summary of Key Points

“A River in Darkness” is an autobiographical account by Masaji Ishikawa, detailing his life and harrowing escape from North Korea. Born in Japan to a Korean father and a Japanese mother, Ishikawa’s family moves to North Korea under the false promises of the ‘Return to North Korea’ movement, only to face unimaginable hardships. The book vividly recounts the brutal reality of life under the North Korean regime, including starvation, oppression, and the loss of personal freedom. Ishikawa’s escape back to Japan, after nearly 36 years in North Korea, is a testament to human resilience in the face of tyranny.