Picked at random (with a bit of cheating) from the extensive Cosimo backlist, a classic work for your reading enjoyment…

With piracy a major issue — again — in the 21st century, and defense spending under heated discussion at the moment, perhaps it’s time for a historical refresher on naval power. In The Influence of Sea Power Upon History, 1660 - 1783, author Alfred T. Mahan explains his theories about how the necessity and potential impact of large and effective navies changed how the world saw war.

American navy officer Rear Admiral Alfred Thayer Mahan (1840-1914) proposed, in this 1890 work, that controlling the seas meant controlling international trade. And the country that controlled trade was the one that would win. Throughout history, readers will learn, the side that controlled the waters won the battle, even though that fact has often been overlooked. History buffs and anyone with an interest in military strategy will be interested to read how the world was shaped more than they had ever imagined through the use of seafaring vessels.

The Influence of Sea Power Upon History, 1660 - 1783 is available at Amazon.com and from other online booksellers.