Alfred Thayer Mahan's The Influence of Sea Power upon History (1660-1783) was one of the most influential books on military strategy in the first half of the 20th century. A core text in the naval war colleges of the United States, Britain, and Japan, Mahan's book shaped doctrine for the conduct of war at sea. Adams uses Mahan's ideas to discuss the great Pacific sea battles of World War II and to consider how well they withstood the test of actual combat. Reexamining the conduct of war in the Pacific from a single analytic viewpoint leads to some surprising conclusions about the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, the Doolittle Raid, the Battle of the Coral Sea, the recapture of the Philippines, and the submarine war. Naval historians and armchair strategists alike will find much food for thought in these engrossing pages.

Would the doctrine of one of history's great naval strategists have stood the test of World War II in the Pacific?

About the Author

John A. Adams is a retired airline executive and longtime business strategist with an interest in the use of economic principles to analyze history. Trained as a historian, he has extensively researched military strategy and tactics. He lives in Conifers, Colorado.

Reviews

If Mahan Ran the Great Pacific War provides one of the best analyses of World War II I have read. Clear and incisive, it presents the reader with both the factual material and a solid discussion of how and why the decisions of the commanders resulted in a strategic or just a tactical success or failure. March 29, 2009

* Daily News, Bowling Green, KY *

This is truly an outstanding book. Although Adams indicates it is an analysis of naval strategy of World War II in the Pacific, the lessons he presents apply to more than purely naval warfare.Spring 2010

* Air Power History *

[A] must read for students of World War II in the Pacific and all those interested in naval and military strategy. March-April 2010

* Military Review *

This book will be enjoyed by anyone who is interested in World War II history. Vol. 55, No. 2, Summer 2010

* Nautical Research Journal *

There is no doubt that Mahan and his writings had an enormous effect on the US Navy's admirals during the Pacific War. This fine book shows very clearly how. December 2010

* Work Boat World *

Students of naval history will find much to agree with in this volume, and a good deal about which to disagree, but either way they will find it worth reading. Fall 2011

* NYMAS Review *



Book Information
ISBN 9780253351050
Author John A. Adams
Format Hardback
Page Count 472
Imprint Indiana University Press
Publisher Indiana University Press