Foreword Thomas Schelling (1 results)

Jacket by Amy R. Bernstein (illustrator). A foundational Cold War-era study of strategic surprise in modern warfare, this work examines major 20th-century conflicts - from Pearl Harbor to the Yom Kippur War - through the lens of intelligence failure, misperception, and decision-making under uncertainty. With a foreword by Nobel laureate Thomas C. Schelling, Kam integrates military history with political science and intelligence analysis, emphasizing how psychological biases, organizational constraints, and flawed warning systems contribute to strategic surprise. This is a true first printing, confirmed by the full number line (10-1) and original 1988 copyright statement, with no book club indicators. Published by Harvard University Press with dual Cambridge and London imprint, the volume reflects the press' late-Cold War focus on rigorous academic studies in international security and strategic thought. The original dust jacket is present and unclipped, and the book is printed on acid-free paper as noted on the copyright page. Condition is Near Fine throughout. The book is clean, tight, and square, with bright, unmarked pages aside from a single ownership inscription. The dust jacket is also Near Fine, with minimal actual wear; much of the visible surface scuffing is confined to a protective Brodart sleeve rather than the jacket itself. No tears, losses, or price clipping observed. Notably, this copy carries an Ex Libris inscription reading 'Douglas C. Sl(sp?), June 1989, The Pentagon,' indicating ownership within U.S. defense or policy circles. This association adds a meaningful layer of provenance and collector interest, particularly for buyers focused on military, intelligence, or Cold War-era institutional history.