Naval Forces & Warfare

Naval forces and warfare have a deep history dating back centuries, with incredible tales of heroism and adventure at sea. Thanks to books about naval warfare, we can learn more about what it takes to work in these kinds of roles, we can read about some of the most legendary events on water, and we can discover the tactics and strategy guiding the biggest battles at sea.

Booktopia is proud to stock a wide range of books on naval history, maritime strategy, naval technology, submarine warfare, and so much more.

Naval history books
Naval history books give us insight into some of the biggest events at sea, offering gripping reads made all the more impressive by knowing they are all true.

Sailing the Graveyard Sea promises a riveting, gruelling account of the only munity in the history of the United States Navy. It’s part murder mystery and part courtroom drama, as Commander Alexander Slidell Mackenzie works to justify his actions in hanging three supposed mutineers during a training voyage. The event gained huge public attention at the time, ensuring it was documented for naval history fans for years to come.

For something a little more recent, and a lot closer to home, try Rock and Tempest. This is the story of Cyclone Tracy, and how it flattened Darwin on Christmas Day in 1974. It follows Patricia Collins of the Women’s Royal Australian Naval Service, who made it through the storm and worked to help clean up the wreckage as the majority of Darwin’s population evacuated out so they Navy could clean up and rebuild.

Naval tactics books
Strong strategy and tactics at sea make the difference between successes and failures.

In Kriegsmarine Atlantic Command 1939-42, author and Kriegsmarine specialist Lawrence Paterson goes into detail about the qualities of the fleet, the command structure of the early war, and how the Luftwaffe let the naval fleet down. Overall, it’s an in-depth look at Germany’s commerce war, complete with artwork, 3D diagrams, photos, and maps.

British Admirals of the Eighteenth Century also promises a historic take on naval tactics. It looks at some of the biggest problems faced by admirals at the time, and explores how each admiral dealt with those issues. Originally published in 1972, this book has stood the test of time as a historical guide to naval warfare.