The Role of Naval Forces in World History. The Opposition of Fleets in the 17th—18th Centuries

The famous historian and naval officer Alfred Thayer Mahan conducts a deep analysis of significant events of the age of navigation that occurred from 1660 to 1783. As a theoretical basis, he chose the most successful naval strategies of the past—from Ancient Greece and Rome to France during the Napoleonic era. Mahan pays close attention to the tactically significant qualities of each type of vessel (galley, fire ship, destroyer), the concentration points of ships, and their battle order. The book also lists deficiencies in defense and the art of naval command. Rare documents and maps are quoted in the book. This classic work had a profound influence on the minds of statesmen from many world powers.