Selections from four legends in maritime and air strategy: Mahan; Corbett; Douhet and Mitchell Introduction by noted military strategist and author David Jablonsky David Jablonsky has compiled the best writings of four of the most influential theorists of naval and air power in the past century. Alfred Thayer Mahan's Influence of Sea Power Upon History; Julian Corbett's Some Principles of Maritime Strategy; Guilio Douhet's Command of the Air; and William "Billy" Mitchell's Winged Defense continue to have relevance for students and practitioners of naval and air strategy. They illustrate the continuity of strategic thought; even through current times of great and widespread change.
#3095602 in Books Stackpole Books 1997-03-01Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 .87 x 6.28 x 9.31l; #File Name: 0811711188208 pages
Review
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful. Excellent book on Royal NavyBy Dr JThis is a very good book on the Royal Navy at the time of Nelson. The name is a bit misleading; as it concerns battles other than only Nelson's. The book starts out with the usual introduction to ships; e.g. ratings; construction; etc. However; it discusses things that I hadn't picked up in some other books. For example; there are detailed discussions on how pumps work; how the large anchor ropes were reeled in; compass headings; tacking and wearing; and so on. The section on tacking and wearing set the table for the later discussions of the battles-ships were `stuck in the mud' if a battle and the wind were behind them. The brilliance of the British tactic of attacking the middle and rear of the enemy line becomes crystal clear. I particularly enjoyed this book for several reasons. First; it was easily readable. Some things were rather technical; but for the most part; I moved quickly through the text. I also enjoyed the maps of the battles. Without those; the discussions of the movements of the ships would have been meaningless. The maps made everything understandable. In addition to chapters on the most famous battles; there is a chapter on lesser-known actions. This was icing on the cake. When I was finished reading this book I felt like I had really learned a lot about the Royal Navy in the Napoleonic period. I highly recommend this book.8 of 8 people found the following review helpful. Required reading for all sea-loversBy Tony WatsonRequired reading for all sea-loversWhat a great book! I wish I'd read it before I started reading any naval fiction (or fact; for that matter).Not as detailed as Dr.Roger's 'Wooden World' but much more readable; with lots of snippets of info and descriptions of procedures that are taken for granted in most books - like 'what is a messenger and how is it used?' - most buffs have a vague idea; but not in the detail that is shown here.The text is lively; flows logically from one subject to an allied one; keeping one interested as one is taken through the construction; manning and working of the ship. Then we are treated to remarkably un-jingoistic descriptions of the famous battles of the Napoleonic era; with blow-by-blow diagrams showing the positions of the opposing fleets throughout the action.My only complaint is that not quite enough space is given to shipboard life; and a little too much praise is heaped on Nelson (after all; that's what Nelson expects....) but not a mention of Cochrane; whose tactics; gung-ho zeal and inventiveness were the epitome of what a fighting captain should be (at least; in the eyes of the public - and Patrick O'Brien).However; a damned good show
