Trying to figure out if it is worth a read. On a big naval history kick rn. Anyone here read and would recommend it? Also open to other books in the same historical vein.

Edit: Talking specifically about "The Influence of Sea Power Upon History"

It's worth it, but best if studied in context. I'd read Corbett too.

Agree. Mayan is great, especially if you're trying to wrest sea control from your neighbor down the street. Lots of application!

Most naval officers these days have now also read Corbett, and in many ways his lessons are more applicable to modern practitioners.

Mahan is still notable for being the only American to rise to the status of a respected land or naval warfare "theorist" in the international view. The US makes surprisingly few. But he was taken seriously by his contemporaries in Europe, and even in the British Royal Navy- no small achievement at that time.

NeverSeenEmWin said:

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Agree. Mahan is great, especially if you're trying to wrest sea control from your neighbor down the street. Lots of application!

Most naval officers these days have now also read Corbett, and in many ways his lessons are more applicable to modern practitioners.

Mahan is still notable for being the only American to rise to the status of a respected land or naval warfare "theorist" in the international view. The US makes surprisingly few. But he was taken seriously by his contemporaries in Europe, and even in the British Royal Navy- no small achievement at that time.

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