Book description
The transition to modern war at sea began during the period of the
Sino-Japanese War (1894-1895) and the Spanish-American War (1898) and
was propelled forward rapidly by the advent of the dreadnought and the
nearly continuous state of war that culminated in World War I. By
1922, most of the elements that would define sea power in the 20th
century were in place. Written by one of our foremost military
historians, this volume acknowledges the complex nature of this
transformation, focusing on imperialism, the growth of fleets, changes
in shipbuilding and armament technology, and doctrines about the
deployment and use of force at sea, among other factors. There is
careful attention to the many battles fought at sea during this period
and their impact on the future of sea power. The narrative is
supplemented by a wide range of reference materials, including a
detailed census of capital ships built during this period and a
remarkable chronology of actions at sea during World War I.
"H. P. Willmott is the finest naval historian and among the
finest historians of any discipline writing today. His latest work
further strengthens that richly deserved accolade. This book, first of
a series, contains a wealth of facts and opinions, the latter provided
with Willmott's unerring analytical eye and mordant wit. Willmott
states that his purpose as a historian is not just to describe events,
but to explain them. This he does superbly." -Bernard D. Cole,
National War College
H. P. Willmott has written extensively on warfare in general and
on World War II in particular. Among his books is The Battle of Leyte
Gulf: The Last Fleet Action, a Society of Military History prize
winner (IUP, 2005). He lives in Englefield Green, Egham, England.
