I'm seeking the title of a book on military history published, I
think, within the past six months.  The author reviews some of the
great battles of history and tries to find a common thread as to what
spelled victory--the critical factor was speed and manerverability.

Could the book you're referring to be The Art of War?

"This book was originally intended to be a set of principals designed
to maximize the chances for military victory and national survival and
minimize the chances of military defeat and human loss. With this view
firmly in mind, Sawyer provides the most detailed introduction and
commentary yet offered to the Art of War, its author and his age.
Features an extensive overview of the history of Chinese Warfare and
military thought, including references to the six less well known
classics of Chinese military strategy, as well as battle diagrams to
help readers visualize the historic military encounters discussed in
the book."
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/1586635603/103-7171197-9695003?vi=glance

Thanks
--Bobbie7-ga

ken91540 --

One possibility for the book you are seeking, based on your brief
description, is "Carnage and Culture: Landmark Battles in the Rise of
Western Power," by Victor David Hanson.

It was published in paperback about eight months ago (its original
hardback version was published in 2001).  Its subject matter is nine
of the "great battles of history."  And the author's purpose is to
find a "common thread as to what spells victory."

Hanson's thesis is that certain economic, cultural and political
characteristics of "Western" societies have ensured their military
superiority.  As summarized by Amazon.com's reviewer:

"Though technological advances and superior weapons have certainly
played a role in Western military dominance, Hanson posits that
cultural distinctions are the most significant factors. By bringing
personal freedom, discipline, and organization to the battlefield,
powerful "marching democracies" were more apt to defeat non-Western
nations hampered by unstable governments, limited funding, and
intolerance of open discussion."
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0385720386/002-1097484-0158419?v=glance&s=books

markj-ga