SEA POWER IN THE MACHINE AGE

An excellent book, for the general reader who is alert to the products of modern technology in their drastic effects upon naval strategy and tactics. The book constitutes a history of sea power with emphasis on the ever-changing fleets, rather than their operations. The introduction of the steam engine, the iron hull, armorplate, the breach loading rifle -- rhanging pattern of the 19th century. Then of immediate interest, the treatment of underwater and aerial craft and weapons, still in process of development, and remoulding, day by day, today's warfare. The author's approach is sound, avoiding unbalanced fancies of sensational extremists, and proving his thorough grasp of fundamental principles of martime warfare. A book of interest to those who want to enrich their background of technical knowledge.