The Influence of Sea Power Upon History, 1660-1783 (Paperback)
Order from Amazon.com

By the father of the modern navy. This book is history as it revolutionized naval warfare like no other single person has done.

28 of 29 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars von Clausewitz of the Sea, June 3, 2002

By Harold Y. Grooms (Prattville, AL USA) - See all my reviews

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.

Also, the referred to:
On War (Paperback)
by Carl von Clausewitz (Author)
Order from Amazon.com

and

the translation of your liking of Sun Tzu's Art of War (but you already have this, as you can't have a military history book collection to expand without having this...)

and

The Art of Maneuver: Maneuver-Warfare Theory and AirLand Battle (Paperback)
by Robert Leonhard (Author)
Order from Amazon.com

21 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Great ideas, mediocre presentation, December 3, 2001

By John S. Cunningham (Las Vegas, nv United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)

Robert Leonhard is one of America's greatest military theorists. Unfortunately his presentation of ideas is not as clear and concise as it might be. He has valid ideas but his dry writing style prevents them from being conveyed effectively. This book is not an easy read.

For similar concepts in a more readable format I would recommend "Warfighting" by Hayden, "Maneuver Warfare Anthology" by Hooker, or "Maneuver Warfare Handbook" by Lind. Only after you have read these books will you benefit from reading Leonhard's book.

See also Leonhards excellent "Principles of War for the Information Age" which is significant and important (but suffers many of the flaws of this book). I feel that book is a more visionary and unique work by this important authour.