Influential classic of naval history and tactics still used as text in war colleges. Read by Kaiser Wilhelm, both Roosevelts, other leaders. First paperback edition. 4 maps. 24 battle plans.
The Influence Of Sea Power Upon History 1660-1783
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Format:Paperback
The Influence of Sea Power upon History: 1660-1783 is practically a historical document. The book's first copyright was in 1890 by Alfred Thayer Mahan. The copyright was transferred to Ellen Lyle Mahan in 1918 which eventually fell to the publisher who has published twelve editions of this book.
The style of the writing and the format of the text adhere to that of the original text and the traditional style. These aspects not only allow the reader insight and virtually unheard of detail about the various battles discussed but also a view of how those campaigns were viewed in the original author's time.
Unfortunately, these same aspects make this book somewhat cumbersome. The book is meant to be read from start to finish (all 557 pages). Thus, the reader's knowledge gradually grows as the book progresses making it difficult to look up details on a particular change of technology or a specific campaign.
The style of the writing and the format of the text adhere to that of the original text and the traditional style. These aspects not only allow the reader insight and virtually unheard of detail about the various battles discussed but also a view of how those campaigns were viewed in the original author's time.
Unfortunately, these same aspects make this book somewhat cumbersome. The book is meant to be read from start to finish (all 557 pages). Thus, the reader's knowledge gradually grows as the book progresses making it difficult to look up details on a particular change of technology or a specific campaign.
Format:Paperback
In this book, U.S. Navy Captain Alfred T. Mahan presents what he considers the six key elements of sea power and shows the impact their application or misapplication has had on history. Citing numerous historical examples, he shows how nations have prospered or suffered through use or misuse of their naval assets. His book is rightfully considered essential reading for any historian of naval warfare. However, its impact does not stop there.
Mahan shows how nations thrived or declined during the 17th and 18th centuries through prudent or imprudent application of naval power. He contends France, Holland, Spain, et al. prospered until they allowed their naval power to dissipate. Meanwhile, Britain became mistress of the seas. British colonies provided raw materials for her industries, while her armed fleet insured uninterrupted commerce. He equates Britain's loss of her American colonies with inappropriate deployment of her fleet, contrasted with France's skilled strategic use of her own. This section will interest readers of American history schooled only on Washington's land campaign at Yorktown.
Mahan's book has had a tremendous impact on history. It unquestionably shaped the imperialistic policies of pre-World War I and pre-World War II Germany and Japan respectively. Students trying to ascertain why leaders of those nations acted as they did should read this work.
The elements of sea power are the same today as in 1900 when this book was first published. With a world economy as interdependent as today's, Mahan's principles are as valid as they were in the 1600's and 1700's, perhaps even more so. German war philosopher, Carl von Clausewitz's classic treatise, "On War," is considered a must read for every Army officer. Mahan's work is to the sea-battle as von Clausewitz's is to the land. Historians, military strategists, and architects of America's foreign, economic and national security policies should read this important work to gain insights on the necessity of protecting vital and vulnerable sea lines of communications worldwide.
Format:Paperback
Mahan uses some detail and technical language to demonstrate particular naval engagements from 1660-1783, but apart from being just a lecturer on naval warfare and an analyst on tactics, he demonstrates how the use of the general navies, or the strategy of using a strong navy to protect the fleet of an aggressive merchant marine, is the single most important root cause of advancing economic and therefore military prosperity in any nation. Using Great Britain as his main example, he also details the Dutch fleets to demonstrate their reason for becoming a European superpower in their own right. Later he identifies the presence of the French navy, apart from any material success in its engagements, as one of the determining reasons why America had a chance to win its independence. Finally, as he hints of the supreme commercial and military importance of the proposed (Panama) canal, against the declining state of the American navy and the paltry condition of its merchant fleet, he urges that America's prosperity if not survival depends on the powerful revival of its sea power.
An excellent read, a great general history book, and very lucid explanations, easy for the layman. If you enjoy history you'll enjoy this.
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3.8 out of 5 stars
Most recent customer reviews
4.0 out of 5 stars
A interesting Thesis on how to become a world power
Mahan uses how the British Empire fought with its navy and withs its econmic navy how it rose to become the empire that is was in the 18th-19th century. Read more
Published on Jan 26 2000 by Charles H. Berlemann Jr.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Classic for Understanding Naval Policy
Granted Mahan is out of date as some of the other reviewers state. Additionally, he is a hard read and it is often said that most people only read the first chapter (which... Read more
Published on May 7 1999
5.0 out of 5 stars
A classic of Naval thought, required reading to understand
Despite the other reviews of this book offered above, with which I must disagree, for the serious student of naval history and tactics, this is a classic, and required reading if... Read more
Published on April 29 1999 by dcoolidge@sheehan.com
3.0 out of 5 stars
An old book, but still useful
Influence of Sea Power may be old, and written in the nineteenth century, but it is still a useful book. Read more
Published on Jun 18 1998 by mhunter@morgan.ucs.mun.ca
3.0 out of 5 stars
A Good Thesis, but Unproven
Mahan, in this book, puts forward a broad thesis, that a nation, in order to be a great power, must be a great sea power, both militarily and commerically. Read more
Published on Mar 10 1998 by sheepherder@geocities.com
3.0 out of 5 stars
This book survives on tradition and little else
First the good news. This book points out the undeniable strategic importance of sea power in terms of cargo, trade, and chokepoints. Now the bad news. Read more
Published on Jan 23 1998
3.0 out of 5 stars
Classic but dated work, tiresome and no longer valid
Okay it was a fantastic book in 1890 when it was written but today you'll be slogging thru many, many, many detailed accounts of blow by blow Naval actions in the 1650's. Read more
Published on Jun 21 1997
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