Vanya Eftimova Bellinger is an independent scholar and journalist.

"The author's use of the newly discovered archival evidence certainly offers new insight into the life of the famous military theorist." -- Frederick C. Schneid (High Point University), European History Quarterly, Vol. 47

"Bellinger has read and made good use of most of the standard primary and secondary sources on the life and times of Carl von Clausewitz in both English and German. In addition, she has mined diligently the previously unused or underutilized writings of those who knew Carl and Marie for bits of information that when added together bring their social world to life."--Journal of Modern History

"Bellinger's informative new book add[s] some fascinating details about their courtship, Carl's decision to leave Prussia in 1812, his role in the final battles against Napoleon, and his activity during the Polish campaign of 1830-31. The unpublished correspondence underscores Marie's importance for Carl's career."--Times Literary Supplement

"[An] impressively researched and richly illustrated account."--Library Journal

"[A] groundbreaking look at the role Countess Maria von Brühl....This is a magnificent work that not only offers Marie's unique perspective of Carl von Clausewitz and how the events of their era shaped his work, it brings out her neglected contribution to the formation and completion of his work....Every serious Clausewitz scholar should read this book to truly understand how this dynamic duo formed a loving and unprecedented marriage and intellectual partnership to create the most studied volume on war and politics in the Western world."--New York Journal of Books

"Building her book on 283 unpublished pieces of Marie von Clausewitz's personal correspondence with her husband, Carl von Clausewitz, Bellinger draws readers into Marie's personal life and social circles."--CHOICE