Industry Reviews
“Maritime Strategy is excellently written. In an accessible and non-threatening way, it introduces the reader to critical topics addressed by major theorists.... Wardrooms and classrooms would do well to add Maritime Strategy to their list of books to discuss. Training commands should consider including this book in their curricula for new accessions, as it provides a big-picture view of the Navy’s place on the national scene.” —Naval War College Review
“A Brief Guide to Maritime Strategy is a three-chapter compact compendium, but one that is wonderfully written and very instructive. James Holmes, the current J.C. Wylie Chair of Maritime Strategic Strategy at the U.S. Naval War College takes his reader on a carefully structured journey through maritime, naval and military history…. An excellent primer for laymen who want to be aware of the historical building blocks that are used in designing maritime strategy. There is much to be learned in this well-presented compendium by one of the most respected scholars in the field.” —The Northern Mariner / Le marin du nord
“This is an excellent text and it is most highly recommended to any reader interested in naval history or theory. Whether a layman, historian, student, or young naval officer, the reader will find very important points in this book. It will greatly improve their understanding of naval theory and help put naval history in general within the greater context of national policy and international relations. This book is most highly recommended and it will produce a most enjoyable read.” —Journal of Military and Strategic Studies
“Many concepts and theories of maritime military/political strategy are as unique as the maritime operating environment. Some strategies that apply on land or in the air do not work at sea…. In A Brief Guide to Maritime Strategy, Holmes introduces the main theoretical ideas of maritime strategy in a way that is both accessible and easy to read. More than just an introductory work, this book covers the key concepts of maritime strategy, from sea power to statecraft, and what navies do. Using Mahanian principles as his foundation, Holmes masterfully applies over a century’s worth of concepts and principles to the modern maritime operating environment. Though written as a primer for junior officers, policy makers, and scholars, this book will be valuable to anyone interested in learning “the art and science of using power to fulfill purposes relating to the sea.” —CHOICE
“Holmes’s insightful treatment of maritime strategy and policy offers a concise review for not only junior officers, but also senior navy leaders, civilian policy-makers, and other readers interested in topics about strategy and national security…. This highly readable volume will no doubt persuade many readers, most especially young naval professionals, to dig more deeply into studies of history and strategy.” —The Strategy Bridge
“Every officer should read this book because of the rich insights into contemporary strategic challenges.” —MarineBlad
“A Brief Guide to Maritime Strategy is well written, covers the ground and provokes plenty of thought…. An excellent pocket book.” —The Naval Review
“This brief guide to maritime strategy is much more than just a masterful introduction. It is a clear and lively compendium, teeming with references, and which approaches maritime strategy from the top, that is to say in its widest possible definition. Because sea power is much more than just a matter of boats and navies!” —Revue Défense Nationale
“The book is well written, covers the ground and pro
