The Influence of Seapower Upon Histor..., Alfred T. Mahan
The Influence of Seapower Upon Histor..., Alfred T. Mahan
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The Influence of Seapower Upon History

Author: Alfred T. Mahan

Narrator: Jonathan Reese

Unabridged: 20 hr 37 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Published: 01/01/1995


Synopsis

First published almost a century ago, this classic text on the history and tactics of naval warfare had a profound effect on the imperial policies of all the major powers. Kaiser Wilhelm is said to have "devoured" this book, and it was avidly read by presidents (including both Roosevelts), kings, prime ministers, admirals, and chancellors.

Demonstrating through historical examples that the rise and fall of seapower (and of nations) has always been linked with commercial and military command of the seas, Mahan describes successful naval strategies employed in the past—from Greek and Roman times through the Napoleonic wars. Focusing primarily on England's rise as a sea power in the eighteenth century, the book provides not only an overview of naval tactics, but a lucid exposition of geographical, economic, and social factors governing the maintenance of sea power.

Although ships, weapons, and the global balance of power have altered greatly since 1890, the lessons taught here so vividly and compellingly are still applicable today.

Reviews

Goodreads review by Clay on March 09, 2025

A good work of scholarship on the age of sail......more

Goodreads review by Marks54 on June 12, 2011

If you are interested in military strategy, and especially naval strategy and history, this is an important book to know about. I can see why it was so important historically, especially given the timing of its appearance. The actual argument, however, is not as clear as you might think and there is......more

Goodreads review by Binston on October 08, 2022

The parts that directly related to the title were of great interest to me, reading a book that influenced none other than Teddy Roosevelt and expansionist American policies felt essential. Unfortunately the majority of the book details individual battles rather than the grand scope I was looking for......more

Goodreads review by Fredrick on August 30, 2011

Mahan's benchmark work on naval warfare. It has been studied by naval academies and leaders since it was written.......more

Goodreads review by Colonel Sir Cedric on February 01, 2025

Review for The Influence of Sea Power Upon History by Alfred Thayer Mahan (Illustrated and Annotated Edition) Alfred Thayer Mahan’s The Influence of Sea Power Upon History remains one of the most influential works in naval and military strategy. Written in 1890, Mahan’s book articulates the essential......more