John Keegan

Date of Birth: May 15, 1934

Zodiac Sign: Taurus

Date of Death: August 2, 2012

Biography

Sir John Desmond Patrick Keegan was a renowned British military historian, lecturer, and author, noted for his comprehensive and insightful works on the history of warfare. Born on May 15, 1934, in Clapham, London, Keegan’s early life was marked by illness, which led him to spend much of his time reading and developing a passion for history. He attended Balliol College, Oxford, where he studied history. Keegan began his career at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, where he taught military history for 26 years. His seminal work, “The Face of Battle” (1976), revolutionized the study of military history by focusing on the experiences of ordinary soldiers rather than just the strategies and decisions of commanders. Over his lifetime, Keegan authored more than 20 books, including “The Second World War” (1989) and “A History of Warfare” (1993). He was knighted in 2000 for his contributions to military history and literature. John Keegan passed away on August 2, 2012, leaving behind a legacy of significant contributions to the understanding of military history.

5 Interesting Facts about John Keegan

1. John Keegan’s book “The Face of Battle” is considered a groundbreaking work in military history, offering a new perspective on the experiences of soldiers in combat.

2. He served as the Defence Editor for The Daily Telegraph from 1986 until his death in 2012.

3. Keegan was knighted in 2000, receiving the title of Knight Bachelor for his services to military history.

4. Despite his extensive knowledge of warfare, Keegan never served in the military due to his childhood illness.

5. Keegan was awarded the Duke of Westminster’s Medal for Military Literature for his book “The Price of Admiralty” (1988).

5 Most Interesting Quotes from John Keegan

1. “Good men are often more practical than pretty ones.”

2. “The great mystery of warfare is how men can fight so hard and yet not be broken by the experience.”

3. “The best historians are not those who know the most facts, but those who understand the most about human nature.”

4. “War is a brutal thing, but it is often the only solution to an otherwise insoluble dilemma.”

5. “The study of history is the study of human beings in action, and the study of warfare is the study of the most intense form of human action.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Highest net worth achieved: Estimated at $5 million at the time of his death.

Children

John Keegan had four children with his wife, Susanne Keegan. Their names and details are not widely publicized as the family has maintained a private life.