The First World War was mainly fought on land. However, navy played a key role in the outcome of the war. If you are a history buff, The Great War At Sea will give you a detailed account of what the navy’s role was in the First World War. The author explores and presents a complex picture of how the navies of different countries prepared for the war and the progress of naval technology during this time.
Lawrence Sondhaus teaches military history at University of Indianapolis and has written multiple books on World War One and Navy’s role in modern history.
The Great War at Sea: A Naval History of the First World War
Hardcover: 392 pages
Publisher: Cambridge University Press (September 30, 2014)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1107036909
The Great War At Sea begins with a background on the naval happenings in the European countries. The expanding British navy, shifting alliances, and Germany’s entry resulting in the naval arms race sets the backdrop of years before the war broke out. The author shifts between dates and timelines to point out the cause and effect of different decisions and gives a complete picture of where each country stood in the European naval race. Later, the author highlights the technological development that this arms race triggered in wireless communication as well as in naval guns.
Although the book is about developments in the navy and naval capabilities of different European nations, the author also covers different war strategies and naval maneuvers in great detail. The book covers everything related to naval warfare: its role, strategic importance, and the technology. But the book might seem a bit daunting to readers who want to read just to get acquainted with the topic. I wouldn’t say that The Great War At Sea is an easy read that you can flip through. The book demands you complete attention, if you want to understand the role of navy in the conflict.
History students and other associated to the subject will get to know a lot as the author’s years of study and expertise clearly reflects in the content of the book.